359 



Mr. Hoscoe to Sir J. E. Smith. 



My dear Friend, June 10, 1817. 



I have now to speak to you on a subject which 

 I flatter myself may eventually lead to my enjoying 

 somewhat more of your society than I had promised 

 myself. We are establishing an institution here 

 for education and lectures on a large scale, em- 

 bracing the whole circle of literature, science, and 

 the arts. Our proposed capital is 30,000/., towards 

 which upwards of 22,000/. is already subscribed. 

 We have prepared a capital building, with lecture- 

 rooms, school-rooms, exhibition-rooms, &c, upon 

 a commodious and extensive scale ; the whole of 

 which are now ready for use. I have promised 

 to give an introductory lecture, which I believe 

 will be followed by a regular course by Dr. Traill, 

 our very worthy and scientific townsman, and Dr. 

 Vose, an excellent physiologist. But our committee 

 are desirous, in publishing their first report, to be 

 able to state to the proprietors the names of such 

 celebrated scientific characters in other parts of the 

 kingdom, as they think may be induced to favour 

 them with their assistance ; and it is with great 

 pleasure I have undertaken to solicit you on the 

 occasion. 



Our buildings have cost 10,000/. 



I trust you will allow us to say in our report that 

 we have hopes of your assistance. 



You will receive another letter from this post, so 



