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mind, which has long been established with those who have given 
the most thorough consideration to the subject, that, although the 
ordinary chances of observation may be sufficient to make many 
branches of knowledge which are inculcated in books sufficiently 
intelligible, there are others, progress in which is of special value 
with reference to the enlargement of the mind and the develop- 
ment of healthy inclinations and habits, which cannot be pursued 
with much advantage in this second-hand way 
ence, it may be anticipated that the common school system 
cf a large city will, sooner or later, be generally considered in- 
complete, unless ample opportunity is found within it for the 
direct exercise by every student of his perceptive faculties, in 
regard to a large class of objects not likely to come under his 
ordinary observation. The idea of education, it must be con- 
fessed by all, unquestionably culminates in the development of 
the reflective faculties, but the reflective faculties—which are 
secondary—can never, it is obvious, be healthily exercised if the 
OSC faculties, which are primary, are neglected and starved. 
“The question therefore is pertinent, even at present, whether 
the city, without absolutely assuming the whole expense and the 
whole control of undertakings for this end, may not wisely offer 
some encouragement to associations voluntarily formed by citi- 
zens for the purpose. 
“Having some such views in mind as these, when we were 
preparing the design of Central Park, we advocated the retention 
of the building near the Fifth avenue and Fifty-ninth street en- 
trance, formerly used as an arsenal, simply because it would prob- 
ably, if retained, be found to be of sufficient value to be converted 
into the nucleus of a museum, and although it was very incon- 
veniently located for any such purpose, taking the proposed land- 
scape effects of the park into consideration, we felt that the op- 
portunity was one that ought not to be lost. Our suggestion was 
adopted by the Commissioners, and‘ the Historical Society has 
since asked for and obtained possession from them of this site 
and this building, with the understanding that it is to be im- 
proved and converted into a public museum at the expense of the 
society. 
“ This illustration is presented with no purpose of favoring the 

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