186 Miscellanies. 
distinguished entomologist, Tuomas Say, containing descriptions of 
new species of North American Hymenoptera, and observations 
on some already described. The article is evidently the result of 
long continued labor, and is a most valuable contribution to science. 
The second article is a sketch of the geology of Portland and its vi- 
einity, by Prof. Epwarp Hrrcncocx, whose character is a suffi- 
cient warrant for the value of his papers. It is accompanied by a 
map. Next follows an examination of Smith’s catalogue of the ma- 
rine and fresh water fishes of Massachusetts, by D. H. Srorer, M.D. 
The last article isa chemical analysis of three varieties of bituminous 
coal — one of anthracite, by C. T. Jacxson, M. 
10. On the establishment of Statistical Societies in the United 
States—To Pror. Sintiman.—The Statistical Society in Paris 
have selected me as their representative in the United States, for 
the purpose of transmitting to them any documents which I might 
be enabled to procure, and for generally aiding their very useful en- 
deavors in Paris, I respectfully desire to propose for consideration 
the establishment of a “General Statistical Society” in the United 
States, and to give general publicity to this I have selected your 
widely circulated Journal as the organ of communication. 
The Statistical Society of France was established by Monsieur 
Cesar Moreau in 1829; by the high talent of this gentleman, his 
extensive and varied information, joined with his activity and indus- 
try, this society has now the united assistance of almost every gov- 
ernment in Europe. ‘The immediate object of the Society rests 
upon the fact, ‘That the knowledge of mankind increases in propor- 
tion to its tendency to observe, and that Statistical Tables, connect- 
ed with general and particular information, tend greatly to facilitate’ 
this development. 
To gather and condense facts which ca to show the increase 
or decrease of Population, the prosperity of Arts and Manufactures, 
the state of public instruction, to develop the true state of Agricul- 
ture, and generally to make known the exact internal state of a 
great nation, its imports and exports, the state of its national funds, 
and those of Chartered companies, must ever claim the attention of 
every enlightened community. In aiding the deliberations of Gov- 
ernment, | deem it of the highest importance, and I am enabled 
to state that the European Governments have already experienced 
great advantages from the labors of Statistical Societies, and from 
