276 WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA 



necessary information. Mr. Peale has now passed 

 his eightieth year, and appears to possess the 

 vivacity, and, I may almost add, the activity of 

 youth. 



To the indefatigable exertions of this gentle- 

 man is the western world indebted for the pos- 

 session of this splendid museum. Mr. Peale is, 

 moreover, an excellent artist. Look attentively, 

 I pray you, at the portrait he has taken of himself, 

 by desire of the State of Pennsylvania. On en- 

 tering the room he appears in the act of holding 

 up a curtain, to show you his curiosities. The 

 effect of the light upon his head is infinitely strik- 

 ing. I have never seen anything finer in the way 

 of light and shade. The skeleton of the mam- 

 moth is a national treasure. I could form but a 

 faint idea of it by description, until I had seen 

 it. It is the most magnificent skeleton in the 

 world. The city ought never to forget the great 

 expense Mr. Peale was put to, and the skill and 

 energy he showed, during the many months he 

 spent in searching the swamps, where these enor- 

 mous bones had been concealed from the eyes of 

 the world for centuries. 



The extensive squares of this city are orna- 

 mented with well-grown and luxuriant trees. Its 

 unremitting attention to literature might cause it 

 to be styled the Athens of the United States. 

 Here, learning and science have taken up their 

 abode. The literary and philosophical associa- 

 tions, the enthusiasm of individuals, the activity 

 of the press, and the cheapness of the publica- 

 tions, ought to raise the name of Philadelphia to 

 an elevated situation in the temple of knowledge. 



