one knows who is not familiar with the history of learning and education 
in this country. All the fundamental facts of popular education in 
physical science beyond the merest elementary instruction, we owe to 
him.” At another place he says, “Let us rejoice together that Hum- 
boldt’s name will permanently be connected with education and learning 
in this country, for the prospects and institutions of which he felt so 
deep and so affectionate a sympathy.” 
Of all the tributes that have been paid to Alexander von Humboldt 
the most lasting and most fitting has now found its expression in this 
building. For here, in this magnificent American Museum of Natural 
History the ideal aim of all his theories is realized most perfectly: to 
cultivate the love of Nature, and thus to ennoble man and beautify his 
life. 
Gentlemen, permit me to thank you for the honor you have done me 
today, and to express the hope that this splendid building may become 
a shrine of pilgrimage of scientists and students also of the Old World, 
helping to bind the nations closer together. 
Baron SPECK VON STERNBURG, 
represented by Major THEODORE KORNER. 
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. 
By C. Hart MeErrRIAM. 
Of the naturalists of America no one stands out in more picturesque 
relief than Audubon, and no name is dearer than his to the hearts of the 
American people. Born at an opportune time, Audubon undertook and 
accomplished one of the most gigantic tasks that has ever fallen to the 
lot of one man to perform. Although for years diverted from the path 
Nature intended him to follow, and tortured by half-hearted attempts 
at a commercial life, against which his restive spirit rebelled, he finally 
broke away from bondage and devoted the remainder of his days to 
the grand work that has made his memory immortal. 
His principal contributions to Science are his magnificent series 
11 
