814 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 



The proposition contained in my memorial I can not l>elieve will he regarded in the 

 light of one of the many applications to Congress for personal relief hy appropriation. 

 Even a superficial examination of what I have the honor to submit must convince 

 any member of your honorable bodies that I am not asking for relief ; that I only 

 ask to be reimbursed for the cost of over 270 plates illustrating my work ; that I 

 should give to the Government double the value I should receive provided you should 

 favorably consider my proposition. I offer to transfer for a nominal sum property 

 that $50,000 would be no compensation for property that the Government has had 

 the use and benefit of during a protracted period of time; property that comprises 

 the most extensive work on entomology, with the most numerous illustrations, that 

 has ever been produced in this or any country. 



As precedents for appropriations of this kind, I need only refer to the liberality of 

 Congress in providing for Arctic explorations and the purchase and publication of 

 valuable reports, to the annual appropriations for geological surveys and specific 

 investigations, and to its favor and encouragement of a great number of meritorious 

 objects. In view of these facts I have no hesitation in resorting to this alternative 

 for the permanent and practical benefit of the agricultural interests, for the reason 

 that, if my proposition is accepted by your honorable bodies, it will enable me to 

 become a more liberal contributor than the Government to an object which, more 

 than any other, has consumed my time, strength, and substance. 



I respectfully ask attention to the accompanying original letters, bearing testimony 

 to the character and value of my work, from the late Professor Agassiz; Dr. Hagen, 

 of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, and others. 

 Very respectfully, 



TOWNEND GLOVER. 



CAMBRIDGE, February 17, 1871. 



MY DEAR DOCTOR: I have duly received your letter concerning Mr. Glover's museum 

 and collections of drawings in the Patent Office at Washington. I have seen them 

 myself and agree with every word you say about their excellence and great impor- 

 tance, both in a scientific and economical point of view, and would consider the pub- 

 lication of his observations and of the delineations of insects injurious to vegetation 

 as most desirable and likely to be in the highest degree creditable to the United 

 States Government. Were I a special student of insects I would urge this publication 

 upon the proper authorities; but it would be ill fitting for me to allow my opinion to 

 go before yours, whom all the world recognizes as a master in entomology. I woul I 

 therefore recommend to you to send a copy of your letter to me to Mr. Glover, with 

 full authority to make any use he pleases of the same, adding, perhaps, these lines, 

 which may secure a reading of your letter among those who know me already and 

 may not yet know that you are among us. 

 Ever truly, your friend, 



L. AGASSIZ. 

 Dr. H. HAGEN, 



Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge. 



CAMBRIDGE, MASS., February 9, 1871. 



MY DEAR MR. GLOVER: I was very happy to hear from Mr. Sanborn that you have 

 the intention to publish, by aid of the Congress, your excellent work. Next day I 

 told Professor Agassiz the happy news, and he asked instantly from me a very circum- 

 stantial report on your work, because he has the intention to do all in his power to 

 help you and your publication. 



I tell you I am somewhat ashamed to hear that an aid by the Congress is not with- 

 out any doubt. 



