12 [Assembly 



practical value beyond almost any other library ; numbering about 

 six thousand volumes. As the good to be effected by such a collec- 

 tion of books, depends on the number and character of the readers, 

 the most liberal measures for their accommodation have been adopted. 

 It has always been open for reading and reference free of all expense. 

 In this respect it is unique, being, as far as we know, ihe only library 

 in the country that is enlirely free to any and all who wish lo avail 

 themselves of its privileges. Literary, scientific, and practical men 

 in all the departments of labor and art, are continually consulting it. 

 Room and tables are provided for authors, compilers, editors of peri- 

 odicals, &c., who may daily be found in their places, pursuing their 

 objects of reading, writing, and investigation. A large number of 

 standard works and miscellaneous publications have been added the 

 last year ; and almost every steamboat and packet from the other side 

 of the water, has brought more or less of books, and regularly the 

 l.iiest and most approved periodicals devoted to agriculture and the 

 arts, published in England, Scotland, France, &c. ; beside, new publi- 

 cations are received every day from corresponding members and 

 friends of the Institute, scattered over the United States and foreign 

 countries. 



In the course of several years a variety of specimens of geology, 

 minerals, &cc., have been collected and carefully preserved, for the 

 purpose of forming a cabinet for the entertainment and instruction of 

 those who take an interest in this department of science as it is inti- 

 mately connected with, and calculated to throw much light on agri- 

 culture, and benefit the arts. 



The hope had been entertained by this Institute, on whose petition 

 the geological survey of the State was granted, that in all justice pro- 

 vision would be made for perfecting their cabinet by a complete set 

 of the many specimens which were obtained ; and it is still hoped 

 that justice, though long delayed, will eventually be done. It has, 

 however, recently been determined to wait no longer, but to commence 

 at once, and a room is now fitting up for the purpose of displaying 

 such specimens as have been or may hereafter be bestowed. And 

 further contributions from all parts of our country will be solicited. 



These preparations are made in the confident hope that we shall 

 «oon be enabled to perfect our cabinet by the rich varieties vi^hich the 

 State has the means of supplying. 



