Notice of Scientific Societies. 373 
aecordingly been attempted, and a collection, particularly 
vich in minerals and organic remains, has already been 
formed. During the past year, forty-seven papers, (exciucing 
reports of committees on new works, which were presented 
by their respective authors,) were read before the Lyceum. 
During the winter months lectures-are delivered in rotation, 
by the members, on the different branches of natural History. 
In 1824, the society commenced the publication of its Annals, 
ina cheap form, andas materials offered. This plan of pub- 
lishing occasional sheets, presents decided advantages over 
the course pursued formerly by literary and scientific sacie- 
ties. The frequent periods of publication, keeps up an ex- 
eitement in the society, and the members are encouraged to 
prosecute their researches, when assured that they will spee- 
dily meet the public eye. : 
19. New York prancu or THE LInN@ZAN SocIETY OF 
Paris. Meets annually in May. 
20. New York Atnenazum. This is enumerated as an 
association, supported chieily by the liberality of opulent 
merchants, for the encouragement of science and literature in 
general, During the last winter, lectures on chemistry, ge- 
ology, botany, &c. were appointed ; and tne full attendance 
‘given to these lectures, was a pleasing evidence of the inter- 
est taken in these sciences. 
In addition to these various institutions in the city and state 
of New York, we may allude to the recent establishment by 
law, of agricultural societies in every county in the State. 
Although they have but an indirect bearing upon the natural 
sciences, yet they are mentioned in this place, as they }ave 
originated several valuable geological essays with particular 
reference to the improvement of agriculture. In 1819, an 
act was passed by the Legislature, granting $10,000 annually 
to the different counties in the State, in proportion to their 
population. It was made a proviso, that-an agricultural so- 
ciety should be formed in each county, the members of 
which should raise by voluntary subscription, an amount 
equal to the sum apportioned. The funds thus raised are 
distributed in premiums. Within one year after the passage 
of the act, twenty-six of the county societies were formed 
and in active operation. A central board of agriculture was 
organized, composed of deputies from the different county 
societies, and charged with the general superintendence of 
the whole. A farther sum of $1000 per ann. was granted to 
