t 



1841.] THE NATIONAL INSTITUTION. 129 



general purposes of the Institution, you can judge much better than myself. If tlie 

 arrangement be in harmony witli its fundamental plan, and tlie means of accom- 

 plishing it can justly be attained, thei'e can be little doubt of the lasting benefits 

 that might ensue. An appointment of a committee, specially charged with the 

 subject, or a reference of it to the officers of tiic Institution, would lead to indis- 

 pensable preliminaries. Should these be happily attended by no insuperable obsta- 

 cles, further movements would be the work of further time. 

 I am, with great regard and respect, your obedient servant, 



JOSEPH R. INGERSOLL. 



From H. C. Williams, late a resident member: Stating his wish 

 that his name should be taken from the list of resident, and enrolled 

 among the paying corresponding members, he being about to re- 

 move to Sevier County, Arkansas; where he hopes to be able to 

 collect valuable specimens of natural history for the National In- 

 stitution. 



From J. L. Smith, Washington : Submitting a plan of a Govern- 

 ment Department of Agriculture and Education. 



From H. Kallusovvski, Richmond, Virginia : Suggesting to the In- 

 stitution to commence a general plan for exchanging Historical works 

 and documents relating to North and South America, since their 

 discovery and colonization, for similar European works and docu- 

 ments since the invention of printing. 



From Dr. E. Foreman, Baltimore : Proposing a plan of exchan- 

 ges between the Institution and the Conchologists of the United 

 States. 



From Hon. J. R. Poinsett, President of the National Institution: 

 Mentioning that Dr. Robert W. Gibbs, of Columbia, South-Caro- 

 lina, had presented to the Institution a very valuable old Painting, 

 by Spagnoletto. 



From D'Arcy A. French, Washington: Submitting a communi- 

 cation on Grammar. 



From A. H. Palmer, New- York : Proposing exchange of Trans- 

 actions between the National Institution and the Real Sociedad 

 Economico de Filipinos, of Manilla. 



From Dr. S. Webber, of Charlestovvn, N. H., communicating a 

 paper, on the great geological features of the valley of Conneclicut 

 river, at Charlestovvn ; and remarks on some crystals found in the 

 slate rock scattered in that region, with specimens. 



