422 PROCEEDINGS OF 



attempts had proved fruitless, Porhups too much was expected at a time when our 

 learned men were unprepared for co-oporation in such extended plans. But the 

 idea had found favor, and it may be affirmed justly that we owe, in no small degree, 

 to the sy.stem of State Geological Surveys, the present improved prospect of accom- 

 plishing a noble and long cherished object. 



Under these circumstances, about three years ago, some of the gentlemen en- 

 gaged in t)ie New York Survey, (the fruits of which are already beginning to 

 appear in published volumes, reflecting honor upon the liberality of the State, and 

 credit upon tlie abilities of those wlio have been engaged in that great enterprise,) 

 proposed to bring about the object by a different method ; circulars were sent by 

 them to geologists of other State surveys, and a meeting was held in Philadelphia, 

 in 1840. This meeting was respectable, and resulted in the formation of the 

 "Association of American Geologists." It adjourned and met again in Philadel- 

 phia in 1841. At the second meeting it was deemed expedient to adopt the foreign 

 plan of changing the place of meeting. Boston was chosen as the place for the 

 third mooling ; at which its objects were extended, and the Association became the 

 "Association of American Geologists and Naturalists." The fourth meeting is to 

 be held in Albany, during the month of April, 1843. 



The proceedings of this Association had been witnessed by the National Insti- 

 tute with feelings of deep interest; and, in 1841, a formal invitation was sent from 

 the latter to the former, requesting them to make Washington the place of one of 

 the annual meetings. The invitation was promptly accepted, and it has been deci- 

 ded that the fifth meeting of the "Association of American Geologists and Na- 

 turalists" is to bo held in Washington in the month of April, 1844. 



The disadvantages and inconvenience of two meetings, have, after mature reflec- 

 tion, appeared to the committee so obvious, that they have thought it best to fix the 

 first Monday of April, 1844, as the period for the general meeting ; and they take 

 this occasion and mode of respectfully inviting to Washington, in the name of the 

 National Institute, the members of the American Philosophical Society, the oldest 

 scientific institution of our country, the members of the Association of American 

 Geologists and Naturalists, and the members of all other scientific and learned 

 societies in the United States ; the honorary and corresponding members and 

 patrons of the Institute, and all others engaged and concerned in the " increase 

 and diifusion of knowledge among men." 



The plan of operations will be left entirely to tlioso who may be present on the 

 occasion. The Institute and the committee, without attempting to control them in 

 any manner, cliarge themselves with the duties of making every preparation in their 

 power adapted to facilitate the scientific objects, the promotion of which such a 

 body may be supposed to cherish. 



JOHN C. SPENCER, Chairman of Committee. 



THIRD CIRCULAR. 



Washington, March 5, 1844. 

 To the Friends and Correspondents of the National Institute ; the Presidents and 

 Officers of Colleges and Universities ; the Members of Scientific and Literary So- 

 cieties of the United States, ^c, ^c, ^c. 



The subscribers take pleasure in announcing that arrangements are made for the 

 first annual meeting of the National Institute. It will beheld at \Vat<iiington on 

 the first Monday of April. In issuing this invitation, the committee are unwilling 



