70 PROCEEDINGS OF [Marcli; 



Science ; hut as it is intended for the benefit of the people, it is right that they 

 should take part in its administration. They are more likely to profit by informa- 

 tion emanating from such a source ; and I apprehend no danger from any impro- 

 per interference on tlieir part, with matters purely scientific. They are too intelli- 

 gent not to be aware that such subjects must be entrusted to the ofEcers and scien- 

 tific branches of the Institution, and will I am sure cheerfiilly submit to their man- 

 agemcnt of them. 



It will bo our duty to make ourselves acquainted with all useful and important 

 discoveries in science, and present them in a cheap form to the people, especially all 

 such discoveries as may be applicable to the arts, and useful to our manufacturers 

 and mechanics ; and they themselves ought to be encouraged to communicate to 

 the Institution the results of their own observations and experience. 



Although I hope and believe that Government will become convinced that the 

 best disposition it can make of the Smithson fund, and that most suited to carry 

 into effect the benevolent intentions of the testator, will be to confide its application 

 to this Institution, I would not have you depend altogether upon that expectation. 

 Let us rather place our reliance upon the cooperation of the other scientific Insti- 

 tutions in the United States, which have so manifest an interest in promoting our 

 views ; upon the support of the people, for whoso benefit the Institution has been 

 founded ; and, above all, upon our own energies and resources, which, if zealously 

 exerted and judiciously directed, will, I have no doubt, ensure our success. 



Dr. Henry King was elected Curator of the Institution. 

 The following donations were received : 



For the Cabinet. 



Indian Pipe. — From the Hon. Joel R. Poinsett. 



Robe made of the skin of the Grizzly Bear, with a collar of the 

 claws of the Bear. — Frojn the Hon. Joel R. Poinsett. 



Map of the Coast, south of Cape Hatteras. — From the Hon. Joel 

 R. Poinsett. 



Copper Ores, from Current River, Missouri. — From Hon. J. Miller, 

 M. C.yfrom Missouri. 



Box of ancient Coins. — From Dr. T. B. J. Frye. 



A Ball made by the Greek females at Athens, of the marble of the 

 Parthenon, and thrown from the Acropolis when it was besieged 

 by the Turks. — From His ExceUency Martin Van Burcn, Presi- 

 dent United States. 



For the Library. 



Second Triennial Report of the American Mission Seminary, Jaffna, 

 Ceylon, 1830.- 7''",/,, I),, r. Hall. 



