HO CORRESPONDENCE. 



years, has advanced with giant steps, and perhaps it is not too 

 much to say, has, during that time, made more progress than for 

 the preceding century. It has also, within the same period, be- 

 come so minute and exact, as you are aware, that the smallest 

 inaccuracy will subject the expedition to the ridicule of the scien- 

 tific world. As, therefore, this expedition must necessarily be 

 composed of different classes, it becomes highly important that 

 such selections shall be made as will be most likely to harmonize, 

 and the personal character, as well as the acquirements of the 

 individuals, be made the subject of inquiry. 



Power is a fearful thing to possess, and even dangerous to wish 

 for, but if I were president, I natter myself I could indicate the 

 outlines of a plan that would insure success. I would select for 

 the head of the expedition, a man of robust constitution and vig- 

 orous intellect, not rashly adventurous, and yet shrinking from no 

 proper responsibility. His zeal for the success of the enterprise 

 would naturally lead him to be prompt and decided in his inter- 

 course with his ofncers, and courteous to the naturalists under his 

 care. Honourably desirous of distinction I would have him to be, 

 but not sordidly anxious to reap every little wreath of merit that 

 may be picked up by his subordinates. Have not the united 

 curses of the scientific world pursued, even beyond the grave, that 

 poor creature Baudin, who quarrelled with every naturalist in his 

 vessel ? Depend upon it, history and posterity will impartially 

 award the particular quantum meruit due to each and every mem- 

 ber of the expedition. With such a man as I have described, I 

 would associate you, and entrusting to your skill and sound prac- 

 tical experience the selection and organization of the scientific 

 corps, would feel confident of success. 



Any thing that I can do in aid of this noble enterprise will be 

 cheerfully done, . and you can confidently depend on the co- 

 operation of the Lyceum for aid, in the selection of books, recom- 

 mending suitable assistants, or indicating proper objects of inquiry. 



