35 



among the apartments constructed for the use of the Smithsonian Uni- 

 versity, a large, properly built, and handsome hall shall be appropriated, 

 on a plan somewhat similar to those of the Apollo Association of New 

 York, or of the "Exposition" which takes place annually in the gal- 

 leries of the Louvre at Paris, to the collection and exhibition of the 

 works of native and foreign artists in paintings, sculpture, and engrav- 

 ings. Situated as this city is, within comparatively easy journeys from 

 every section of the country, and a place where the talent, riches, fash- 

 ion, and merit of the land yearly congregate, and which few or no for- 

 eign travellers pass by without a visit, it seems tome that no more suitable 

 rendezvous could be named for genius and ambition to select as the field 

 of their operations. In the furtherance of this laudable undertaking, it 

 is to be hoped that the sister establishment, the National Institute, will 

 not be found wanting. It can akl very materially in the good work, 

 without withdrawing any of its attention from science or education, and 

 particularly if there be the proposed union between it and the Smith- 

 sonian Institution. 



I shall continue the discussion of this subject in my next, and until 

 then, I am yours, respectfully, 



J. C. B. 



WASHINGTON, January 20, 1844. 



THE SMITHSONIAN BEQUEST. 

 LETTER No. VIII. 



GENTLEMEN: The concluding part of my last communication was 

 devoted to the suggestion of some plan that might secure for the fine 

 arts a portion of that attention and encouragement which every civilized 

 nation ought to feel proud to have it in its power to bestow. I flatter 

 myself that the plan so suggested will be found efficient and economi- 

 cal, and well suited to enable the artists of this and other countries to 

 bring their works before the public, and thus disseminate the principles 

 of taste among the people. 



The following extract from a letter of the Hon. JOSEPH R. INGER- 

 SOLL, of Philadelphia, dated December 13, 1841, and addressed to the 

 Corresponding Secretary of the National Institute, will give my readers 

 some idea of the opinions of that distinguished gentleman on the sub- 

 ject. Recommending to the Institute the establishment of a Depart- 

 ment of Taste and the Fine Arts, he says : 



