10 



presented for the successful prosecution of such studies. 

 The disposition is not wanting, and if we are behind 

 Europe in the practice and knowledge of astronomy, 

 geography, chemistry, geology, mineralogy, and all the 

 branches of natural history, it is owing to the condition 

 of our country, which requires all her sons to labor, 

 and does not admit of a class of learned men of leisure ; 

 and in some measure, also, to the want of such an In- 

 stitution as ours. For the success of these pursuits, a 

 central establishment is essential, where the student 

 from any part of our vast country, after passing through 

 the usual course at college, if destined for a learned 

 profession, may resort to receive instruction in the higher 

 branches of science, and where he will find instruments, 

 collections, books, and instructors, provided for his use, 

 by the munificence of individuals or the patronage of 

 his Government. And here I would remark, that some 

 of these branches of knowledge, and the highest among 

 them, cannot be cultivated and rendered extensively 

 useful without the aid of Government. Astronomical 

 observations, to be relied upon by the navigator, must 

 derive a character of authenticity from the Government 

 itself. Individuals may acquire a knowledge of the 

 science, and possess the best books and instruments, and 

 occupy themselves with this delightful pursuit: they 

 may become good observers and make accurate calcu- 

 lations, but "without the stamp of authenticity, which a 

 Government alone can give them, navigators will not 

 repose confidence in their tables. An observatory to 

 be useful must be national ; and it is a reproach to a 

 people, second to none in commercial enterprise, and 

 inferior to one only in the extent of their trade, to be 



