BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 243 



the property, without which it could not have continued its work, and to express the 

 hope that the request so touchingly urged may not only be sacredly regarded through 

 coming years, but that the policy indicated may be observed in relation to all property 

 that the generosity of others may hereafter bestow upon the Society ; to the end that its 

 means of usefulness be not impaired, and that its elevating and beneficent influences be 

 continued through all generations. 



The words referred to are as follows : 



" Finally, I request the recipients of the above bequeathed property to realize that no 

 inconsiderable portion thereof has been gathered as the fruits of a laborious vocation, 

 exercised through anxious days and sleepless nights ; that it is given to them, in trust 

 nevertheless, to be expended so as to inure to the greatest advancement of sound educa- 

 tion in the departments as above specified, and the public good. I request that its invest- 

 ment may be safely guarded ; that its expenditure may be subject to the strictest econ- 

 omy ; yet that it may be appropriated liberally where the objects aimed at justify an open 

 hand, and cannot be afforded the cause of education and the public good at less expense." 



With due regard to what is here expressed, the permanence of the Society is at least 

 secure, and it may reasonably be presumed that -the means of progress will not forever be 

 wanting. 



