34 INTRODUCTION. 
between the years 1812 and 1820, devoted to the cul- 
tivation of Natural History. Some of these could not 
sustain themselves, and became extinct ; but others 
■were more successful, and have continued, -with various 
prosperity, to the present time. These, together with. 
societies established in the interval, have exercised, and 
yet maintain, an important influence on the public mind. 
Through their efforts, scientific information is no longer 
confined to the professedly scientific, but has become 
familiar to the intelligent part of the community, and 
leisure is found by many to cultivate its various branches. 
The public, ceasing to condemn that, the immediate util- 
ity of which it cannot understand, now cheers, with its 
approbation and aid, undertakings of a purely scientific 
character ; and the government extends to them, occa- 
sionally, an uncertain and hesitating patronage. 
The institutions referred to served as nuclei, around 
which gathered those who were interested in zoological 
studies ; and the investigation of the zoology of the 
country, then but imperfectly known through the works 
of Europeans, was soon commenced by the young 
naturalists who composed them. Beyond their limits 
there appears to have been but little encouragement for 
such pursuits, and hence the names of nearly all the 
early naturalists of the United States may be found 
connected with the history of these associations. As 
the materials collected by them acquired importance, it 
became desirable to make them known, and the publica- 
tion of their respective transactions was undertaken. 
