186 Miscellanies. 



distinguished entomologist, Thomas Say, containing descriptions of 

 new species of North American Hymenoptera, and observations 

 on some already described. The article is evidently the result of 

 lono- continued labor, and is a most valuable contribution to science. 

 The second article is a sketch of the geology of Portland and its vi- 

 cinity, by Prof. Edw^ard Hitchcock, whose character is a suffi- 

 cient warrant for the value of his papers. It is accompanied by a 

 map. Next follows an examination of Smith's catalogue of the ma- 

 rine and fresh water fishes of Massachusetts, by D. H. Storer, M. D* 

 The last article is a chemical analysis of three varieties of bituminous 

 coal and one of anthracite, by C. T. Jackson, M. D. 



10. On the establishment of Statistical Societies in the United 

 States. — To Prof. Silliman. — The Statistical Society in Paris 

 have selected me as their representative in the United States, for 

 the purpose of transmitting to them any documents which I might 

 be enabled to procure, and for generally aiding their very useful en- 

 deavors in Paris, I respectfully desire to propose for consideration 

 the establishment of a " General Statistical Society" in the United 

 States, and to give general publicity to this I have selected your 

 widely circulated Journal as the organ of communication. 



The Statistical Society of France was established by Monsieur 

 Caesar Moreau in 1829 ; by the high talent of this gentleman, his 

 extensive and varied information, joined with his activity and indus- 

 try, this society has now the united assistance of almost every gov- 

 ernment in Europe. The immediate object of the Society rests 

 upon the fact, That the knowledge of mankind increases in propor- 

 tion to its tendency to observe, and that Statistical Tables, connect- 

 ed with general and particular information, tend greatly to facilitate 

 this development. 



To gather and condense facts which tend to show the increase 

 or decrease of Population, the prosperity of Arts and Manufactures, 

 the state of public instruction, to develop the true state of Agricul- 

 ture, and generally to make known the exact internal state of a 

 great nation, its imports and exports, the state of its national funds, 

 and those of Chartered companies, must ever claim the attention of 

 every enlightened community. In aiding the deliberations of Gov- 

 ernment, I deem it of the highest importance, and I am enabled 

 to state that the European Governments have already experienced 

 great advantages from the labors of Statistical Societies, and from 



