SOUTH AMERICA. 277 



his eightieth year, and appears to possess the FOURTH 

 vivacity, and, I may almost add, the activity of - 

 youth. 



To the indefatigable exertions of this gentle- 

 man, is the western world indebted for the pos- 

 session of this splendid museum. Mr. Peale is, 

 moreover, an excellent artist. Look attentively, 

 I pray you, at the portrait he has taken of him- 

 self, by desire of the State of Pennsylvania. On 

 entering the room he appears in the act of 

 holding up a curtain, to show you his curiosities. 

 The effect of the light upon his head is infinitely 

 striking. I have never seen any thing finer in 

 the way of light and shade. The skeleton of the 

 mammoth is a national treasure. I could form 

 but a faint idea of it by description, until I had 

 seen it. It is the most magnificent skeleton in 

 the world. The city ought never to forget the 

 great expense Mr. Peale was put to, and the 

 skill and energy he shewed, during the many 

 months he spent in searching the swamps, where 

 these enormous bones had been concealed from 

 the eyes of the world for centuries. 



The extensive squares of this city are orna- 

 mented with well-grown and luxuriant trees. Its 

 unremitting attention to literature, might cause it 

 to be styled the Athens of the United States. 

 Here, learning and science have taken up their American 



i mi v i i -i 1-1 literature. 



abode. ihe literary and philosophical associa- 

 tions, the enthusiasm of individuals, the activity 



