416 



The Treasurer announced that the entomological col- 

 lection of the late Dr. Harris had been delivered to the 

 Society, and that the money had been paid to Mrs. Har- 

 ris. The Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, 

 which had subscribed liberally, were very anxious that 

 Dr. Harris's Report to the Legislature, now out of print, 

 should be reprinted. On motion of Prof. Parsons, a 

 committee of five was appointed to inquire into the best 

 means of republishing the work, if possible with illus- 

 trations ; the committee consisted of Prof. Parsons, J. M. 

 Barnard, Dr. A. A. Gould, and Messrs. Agassiz and 

 Charles Hale. 



Mr. Alexander Agassiz gave an account of the con- 

 dition of the collection, which is for the most part in 

 good order. 



The committee to whom was referred the letter of Dr. 

 I. I. Hayes, announcing his intention of making another 

 attempt to reach the north pole of the earth, reported as 

 follows : — 



The Committee to whom was referred the letter of Dr. I. I. 

 Hayes, announcing his intention of making another attempt to 

 reach the north pole of the earth, would report :- — 



1. That we regard the proposed expedition with no ordinary 

 interest ; and receive assurance that it will be successfully prose- 

 cuted, in view of the near approaches which have already been 

 made in that direction ; — the reasons by wJiich it is shown that 

 the obstacles hitherto encountered may be in a great measure 

 evaded ; — the personal experiences of its conductor of the dan- 

 gers and rigors to be met, and his ability to forestall them ; — and 

 especially in his acquaintance with the residences and character 

 of the natives on whom he must mainly rely for extra aid — an 

 acquaintance probably superior to that of any other person. 



2. That while the hopes of former expeditions may not liave 

 been fully reaHzed, yet that in view of the additions made to hu- 

 man knowledge as to the meteorology, geography, and other natu- 

 ral features of our globe, as well as the proofs they have given of 



