192 Foregn Literature and Science. 
University 5 it contained organized remains from Tennes- 
see. A second box, from Prof. Dewey, of Williamstown, 
has also been received. | 
Some fine crystals of the North-Carolina Zircon from 
Dr. T. D. Porter, and some fine specimens of sappar, &c. 
from Chesterfield, Mass. presented by Dr. Alfred S$. Mon- 
son, were reported, besides a box of mineralogical and geo- 
logical specimens from James Pierce, Esq. 
II. Foreign Literature and Science. 
{Communicated by Professor Griscom.]} 
The following premiums are offered by the ‘ Society for 
the Encouragement of National Industry” in France.* Pre- 
miums for 1821. 
MECHANIC ARTS. 
1. For the construction ofa Hydraulic press, particularly 
adapted to the expression of olive and grain oil, and the 
compression of grapes and other fruits. Two thousand 
Francs. 
2. For the construction of a water-mill, which shall not 
obstruct the current of rivers, nor impede navigation, float- 
age or the irrigation of meadows. One thousand Franes. 
CHEMICAL ARTS. 
3. For perfecting the materials employed in engraving en 
taille-douce.—The conditions to be fulfilled are, 1. a pro- 
cedure by which the copper plates may be prepared of a 
density suitable to the wants of the art, and arising from the 
nature of the metal and not from the violent pressure of the 
‘smoothing process. 2. To perfect the varnish and the man- 
ner of applying it so as to prevent its scaling, as well as the 
accidents which frequently happen when the plates are cor- 
roded. 
* We have imagined that our readers will be gratified in the perusal of 
this list as it serves to shew the warm interest which is felt ina nation, with 
whom we are on terms of friendly and profitable intercourse, in the ad- 
~ vancement ofthe useful arts. The generous labours of the * Societé d’encou- 
ragement’’ of Paris afford a powerful stimulus to national industry and tal- 
ents) The premiums which they offer and the annual exhibitions of the 
finest productions of the manufactories which they superintend, we should 
be glad to see extensively imitated in each of the United States, having no 
doubt of the efficacy of such institutions upon national prosperity. 
