of the Western Stales. 20.ii 



fhe same distant wilderness, a variety of the animals which are 

 peculiar to it. 



Our native birds have not retreated, like our quadrupeds, 

 and are, therefore, within our reach. The managers hope to 

 see the Society, in due time, in possession of a large collec- 

 tion of these beautiful animals. In the accomplishment of this 

 undertaking, it is easy to perceive that the Society may be 

 powerfully aided by the community : and a sanguine hope is 

 entertained, that no backwardness or indiflference will be 

 manifested by those who may fortunately have it in their power 

 to forward specimens. 



In collecting the fishes and reptiles of the Ohio, the Missis- 

 sippi, and the Lakes, the managers will likewise need all the 

 aid which their fellow-citizens may feel disposed to give them. 

 Although not a very interesting department of zoology, no 

 object of the Society offers so great a prospect of novelty as 

 that which embraces these animals. The managers, therefore, 

 flatter themselves that they will not be suffered to proceed 

 unaided in this portion of their labours. 



The obscure and neglected race of insects will not be over- 

 looked, and any specimens sufhcientl)' perfect to be introduced 

 into a cabinet of entomology, will be thankfully received. 



The western country, from having afforded some of the 

 most gigantic and curious remains of land animals which have 

 yet been discovered, seems entitled to a museum of such re- 

 lics. A collection of this kind will be one of the earliest ob- 

 jects of the Society. Its funds will be liberally expended for 

 the purpose ; and if aided by those who may be so fortunate 

 as to discover any of the great bones which lie buried in our 

 alluvial or bottom lands, the managers hope, at no distant 

 period, to repair, in some degree, the losses which have been 

 repeatedly sustained by exportations of these interesting fossils. 



The third class comprises objects of very little utility, but 

 of extraordinary interest. Nothing, indeed, presented by the 

 western country seems to excite in a higher degree the curi- 

 osity of strangers, than the relics and vestiges of the extinct 

 and comparatively civilized population with which it abounds. 



The managers will make every possible effort to form an 

 extensive collection of these remains. 



