202 Natural History. [Chap. IIL 



science ; travellers have explored foreign countries 

 for the same purpose; distinguished eminence in 

 this brancli of knowledge has been rewarded by 

 public esteem, and by civil honours; and the most 

 effectual methods used to direct general attention 

 to the subject. 



The mineral treasures of America have been 

 hitherto but little explored. It were to be wish- 

 ed that some of its natives, who have leisure 

 and talents for the purpose, might be induced 

 to undertake this interesting task. That the 

 United States abound in Coaly Gypsum^ Mar- 

 ble, Metals y and other mineral riches, which would 

 abundantly reward the diligence of naturalists 

 in seeking for them, we have already had satisfac^ 

 tory evidence. Professor Mitchill was commis- 

 sioned, several years ago, by the Agricultural 

 Society of New York, to travel through a consi- 

 derable part of the state, with a particular view 

 to mineralogical investigatian. The result of his 

 tour has been published*, and affords at once ho- 

 nourable testimony of his talents, and strong in- 

 citements to a further prosecution of the inquiries 

 wliich he instituted. It would be happy for the 

 interests of science in this new world, if siniilaar 

 undertakings, conducted with similar skill, could 

 be multiplied and extended. It is, indeed, de- 

 voutly to be wished that a kind Providence may 

 for ever conceal from our view all mines of tiie prc^ 

 Clous metals, if there be such in the country f; but 



* Sec a Sketch of tht Mineralogical Jlistonj of the State of Nei^ 

 York in the Medical Repositori/, vols, i and iii. 



t The most consklerahle mine of either of the precious metals 

 of \\hieh tlie author h;ia heard in the United btates,, is the aihxx: 



