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Bebnont, January 20th, 1808. 

 Sir, 



Observing, among our communications, none on 

 the subjects discussed in the one enclosed, I request 

 you to lay it before the society. Our association con- 

 sists of many, who are competent, by their talents and 

 information, to add to the means of effectuating our ob- 

 jects. I risk much, in m}^ endeavours to elicit from 

 others, the assistance we want. It is due to myself, 

 however otherwise unimportant, to declare, that it is 

 the leading motive with me, to set an example, which 

 others, whether in or out of the society, may follow, 

 with more beneficial results. It was part of the terms^ 

 on which I accepted the honour of the society's chair, 

 that I should receive the assistance of the members, 

 who have it in their power to render it. Should I 

 find myself disappointed, those we mean to serve, will 

 sufier privations, which will add to my regret. The 

 only consolation I shall experierxe, by bringing into 

 the view of the society, a variety of subjects for others 

 to improve upon, will be that of having attempted, how- 

 ever unsuccessfully, to keep my part of the engage- 

 ment; to make every practicable effort, for the re-ani- 

 mation of an eminently useful and disinterested insti- 

 tution, which had become torpid by neglect. 

 I am. Sir, 



Your very obedient Servant. 



Richard Peters. 

 Dr. James Mease, 



Secretary Agric, Sqc, PhilacL 



