286 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 
Again, there is hardly a scientific man living on the continent of Eu- 
rope, who is not indebted to him for some ‘recommendations in the 
tion more particularly these details about Humboldt, because he is hap- 
pily still among the living, and his testimony may be asked in a matter 
of such deep importance to the real progress of science. But the same 
is equally true of the part Cuvier took in his day in promoting science. 
All his efforts were constantly turned towards increasing the collection 
of the Jardin des Plantes, and supporting the publication of originz 
researches, giving himself the example of the: most untiring activity in 
publishing hi 
In this connection, I ought not to omit mentioning a circumstance to 
which the United States owes the legacy of Smithson, which I happen 
accidentally to know, and — is much to the point, in reference to the 
controversy concerning the management of the Smithsonian Institution. 
Smithson had already rind his will, and left his fortune to the Royal 
Society of London, when certain scientific papers were offered to that 
learned body for publication. Notwithstanding his efforts to have them 
published in their transactions, they were refused; upon which - 
be easy to collect in London more minute information upon this occur- 
in the way of learning all the circumstances. Nothing seems to m 
to indicate more plainly what were the testator’s views ” respecting the 
best means of promoting science than this fact. 
I will not deny the great importance of libraries, and no one has felt 
more keenly the want of an extensive scientific library than I have 
since [ have been in the United States ; but, after all, libraries are only 
the lib 
Moreover, American students have a just claim upon their own coun- 
try for such local facilities as the peers sg of books affords. 
If I am allowed, in comet to state my personal impression Tres- 
pecting the management of the eae thus far, I would only ex- 
‘ess_ my concurrence = the plan of active operations her 
the full extent to which they may be spent towards increasing unduly 
very - 
ae ee 
