55 



invite the co-operation of the public by pecuniary and other assis- 

 tance. Again do I say, let not their expectations be disappointed, 

 and a new era will dawn upon this hemisphere, aud a new con- 

 solidation be added to the weakened bonds of our glorious Union. 



I would therefore suggest that the duplicates of books, charts, 

 documents, geological and other specimens, which may be in the 

 possession of the Executive, Congress, colleges, public and private 

 academies, mercantile, agricultural, mechanical, literary, and other 

 associations, should be laid aside, under the care of some compe- 

 tent individual, to be transmitted to the National Institute, as soon 

 as it is able to defray the expenses of transportation, and posses- 

 ses a proper place for exhibition. 1 would recommend that indi- 

 viduals who take an interest in such matters make their collections 

 and distributions for a like purpose and in like manner; and that 

 the National Institute inform Mr. VATTEMARE that it is making all 

 possible efforts to induce Congress and the people to aid and co- 

 operate in his honorable and philanthropic project. I would also 

 suggest that the National-Institute, so soon as it shall have collect- 

 ed a sufficient sum for the purpose, open, through a committee 

 appointed for that special purpose, a correspondence with Govern- 

 ment, the heads of public and private colleges and institutions, 

 and such of our citizens or foreigners who may be interested in the 

 matter, inviting again their assistance, indicating the means of 

 transmission, promising to defray the necessary expenses, and to 

 provide a place for their preservation and exhibition. 



The Institute will be thus materially assisted in the plan of es- 

 tablishing a great national gallery of curiosities, learning, litera- 

 ture, and the fine arts, at the metropolis of this Republic, and the 

 people be convinced that its progress and success are deeply inter- 

 esting to the country, and highly important for the advance of 

 knowledge and education. 



I would advise such of my readers as feel interested in the sub- 

 ject, to read a very interesting article entitled " A Plan of Ex- 

 changes," by Dr. E. FOREMAN, of the Washington University of 

 Baltimore, dated December 10, 1841. and published in the second 

 Bulletin of the National Institute, p. 168. 



My next shall be devoted to a brief account of the origin, pro- 

 gress, and present state of the Depot of Charts and Instruments, or 

 National Observatory, in this city, under the superintendence of 



