LIN.V.EAN ASSOCIATION'. 103 



lar^e and valuable collection. Tliey are indebted to several correspond- 

 ing members and other gentlemen for valuable donations, and they are 

 still receiving additions. 



To give the readers of the Journal some idea of the collection, the 

 curator has obligingly furnished me with the following list. It will be 

 seen that it is yet comparatively small, but be it remembered that it was 

 begun last summer. 



Birds, native and foreign 63 ; Reptiles in spirits and stuffed 92 ; 

 Fishes and Crustacea (crabs,) 97; Mammalia 10; Sliells 900; Insects 

 1100; dried plants 40; Minerals 2100; Fossils 60 ; Anatomical prepa- 

 rations 13 ; Paintings and Engravings 36 ; Plaster casts 70 ; besides a 

 large number of miscellaneous natural and artificial curiosities. 



Tliis is doing well for six months, and I happen to know that before 

 long the cabinet will be considerably increased. Most of these objects 

 are scientifically arranged and properly labeled, so that they are not de- 

 signed for mere show, but for study and practical use. They are all 

 preserved in cases covered with glass and secured with locks, so that 

 the uninitiated may not handle them carelessly. 



The cabinet is at present kept in the library department of the Col- 

 lege, l)ut if it increases at this rate, there will soon be felt the necessity 

 of more room. In view of this, the Society last summer adopted preli- 

 minary measures towards erecting a building to be specially appropri- 

 ated to this and kindred objects. One or two large departments would 

 be necessary for the cabinet, one as a sort of work-shop or preparation 

 room and for duplicate speciinens, and one as a library and reading 

 room. Use could easily be made of four or five departments. The 

 members very industriously set themselves to work to procure subscrip- 

 tions, in which they were successful among themselves, but it is very 

 evident that it is out of the power of the students, most of whom are in 

 very moderate circumstances, to erect the buildings. The college treas- 

 uiy has no funds to spare for the purpose, and the Linnseans have ap- 

 pealed to the friends of the College and of science for aid. 



I do not know to what extent they have succeeded, but I hope they 

 will not abandon the enterprise. A few years of toil will eiiable them 

 to accomplish the ardently cherished project. When the friends of ed- 

 ucation once see that the Linna^ans are not to be daunted by seeming 

 difficulties, efficient help will be afforded. I would say then, go on and 

 never give up the enterprise — you will eventually succeed. 



The money already subscribed, should be collected and husbanded 

 until enough has been secured to justify a commencement. 



Those interested in the success of Pennsylvania College, must see 



