ON THE STATE CABINET. 23 



individual collectors. In a very few, if indeed in any of these collections, 

 could we find a gystematic series in which the specimens are carefully cho- 

 sen and properly labeled by competent authority, and in such a manner as 

 to present the characteristics bf the specimens to the greatest advantage. 



These two hundred acadamies are scattered throughout the State, and it 

 may be safely assumed that there is no feature in the geology of the State 

 depending upon characteristic fossils, and no locality of minerals interest- 

 ing on account of their application to the arts, or their relations with sci- 

 ence, that is not within reach of some, of these academies. 



In the localities where these characteristic fossils and these minerals 

 occur, they can usually be collected with fac^ility, or with but moderate ex- 

 pense, and the largest item of expense that would attend any enterprise for 

 a collection would be thai incident to traveling from one locality to another, 

 and which would preclude the possibility of success except through the 

 medium of a systematic exchange. 



I would therefore suggest as the most effectual method for diffusing a 

 correct knowledge of the sciences under consideration, that the several 

 academies be invited to form, collections of objects within their vicinity, 

 previously designated by competent authority, and in sufficient number to 

 furnish a general e;s:change. 



It would be easy to designate some two or three subjects for collection 

 by each academy, and the labor of obtaining these would, it is believed, be 

 cheerfully .undertaken by the classes interested in the study and at times 

 devoted to recreation. ' 



The specimens being carefully selected and securely packed, each kind 

 by itself and with one general label, descriptive of the object, might be for- 

 warded to the State Cabinet, and there unpacked, distributed, labeled and 

 again sent back to the academies, affording to each a cabinet of from four 

 to six hundred specimens. The series would present a complete systematic- 

 collection of .the geological features and mineral wealth of the State, cor- 

 rectly marked by printed labels, ajad of the greatest authenticity and scien- 

 tific value. 



To give the highest practical value to such a cabinet, there should accom- 

 pany each a descriptive catalogue, neatly bound, and in which the scien- 

 tific description, chemical characters, geological relations or economical 

 Value of each specimen, according to its peculiarity, might be briefly stated. 

 I would assume that the expense of collecting and packing these speci- 

 mens would in every case be defrayed by the academies participating in 

 the enterprise, while that of freight both ways, and of assorting, labeling 

 and repacking should be paid by the State. The descriptive catalogue, 

 with suggestions for the arrangement and preservation of cabinets should 

 also be printed at the public expense. 



There are in certain locaKties, as for example in Orange and St. Law- 

 rence counties, many interesting minerals, which are easily obtained on the 

 spot, and in much greater number than would be due from the institutions 



