of the Western States. 265 
the same distant wilderness, a variety of the animals which are 
peculiar to it. 
Our native birds have not retreated, like our quadrupeds, 
and are therefore within our reach. The managers hope to 
see the Society, in due time, in possession of a large collec- 
tion of these beautiful animals. In the accomplishment of this 
undertaking, it is easy to perceive that the Society may be 
powerfully aided by the community: and a sanguine hope is 
entertained, that no backwardness or indifierence will be 
manifested by those who may fortunately have it in their power 
to forward specimens. 
In collecting the fishes and reptiles of the Ohio, the Missis- 
sippi, and the Lakes, the managers will likewise need all the 
aid which their fellow-citizens. may feel disposed to give them. 
Although not a very interesting department of zoology, no 
object of the Society offers so great a prospect of novelty as 
that which embraces these animals. The managers, therefore, 
flatter themselves that they will not be suffered to proceed un- 
aided in this portion of their labours.  * : 
The obscure and neglected race of insects will not be over- 
looked, and any specimens sufficiently perfect to be introduced 
intoa cabinet of entomology, will be thankfully received. 
The western country, from having afforded some of the 
Most gigantic and curious remains of land animals which have 
yet been discovered, seems entitled to a museum of such relics. 
A collection of this kind will be one of the earliest objects of 
the Society. Its funds will be liberally expended for the pur- 
Pose; and if aided by those who may be so fortunate as to dis- 
cover any of the great bones which lie buried in our alluvial or 
bottom lands, the managers hope, at no distant period, to repair, 
M some degree, the losses which have been repeatedly sustain- 
ed by exportations of these interesting fossils. 
The third class comprises objects of very little utility, but 
of extraordinary interest. Nothing, indeed, presented by the 
Western country seems to excite in a higher degree the cu riosi- 
Y of strangers, than tlie relics and vestiges of the extinct and 
*omparatively civilized population with which it abounds. 
he managers will make every possible effort to form an ex: 
tensive collection of these remains. 
