ON THE STATE CABINET. 25 



I derived from examining the ^(useum of Practical Geology in Jermyn 

 street, London, and I cannot conceive of a better plan than that. There 

 should be, fird, a display of all the rocks as such in succession ; second, a 

 series of the fossils characteristic of each formation in the order of succes- 

 sion ; third, a series of fossils zoologically arranged, intermixed with repre^ 

 sentatives of existing species illustrative of their character; and finally 

 (not very essential as it seems to me), a geographical series might be added. 

 Above all, as the collection of most economical importance, and calculated 

 to secure the ^terest and sanction of the public, specimens of rocks and 

 minerals in all their forms and uses, in the rough state and modified by 

 chemical and mechanical agents. In this should be included maps and 

 models of important mineral regions, as well as mining machinery. 



Qf course a large amount of space would be required, and this should be 

 carefully looked after in the outset, so that the whole ground necessary 

 may be covered at first, and no subsequent shifting or crowding of speci- 

 mens be requisite. Another consideration should be, to obtain at once all 

 the material i:elating to the State which could be secured from all public 

 and private sources. Better specimens would be selected, a great many 

 useless subsequent additions for ofiicers and incompetent individuals would 

 be avoided, and better determinations of species would be made. With 

 this same view, and that there may be as correct a historical display as 

 possible, a representation of the progress of geological researches, and an 

 identification of type specimens. The services of those who have been ear- 

 liest and longest engaged should be secured ; as many principal supervisors 

 should be permanently employed as there may be principal departments, 

 with some provision for subordinate assistants, for a time at least. The 

 pay should be such as to be an inducement to make a life business of it ; 

 the office should be permanent, and an far removed as possible from polit- 

 ical favor or patronage, and the incumbent should only be removed for 

 obwous incompetence or negligence. To be always manceuvering to retain 

 one's place, or to be forever in fear that before your plans are half carried 

 out, some one will supersede you, and begin some new plan, must paralyze 

 all enthusiasm and pride, and the result be but a Penelope's web. At the 

 same time, incumbency should not be made so certain as to allow of apathy 

 and negligence. 



The coming interests of the country will inevitably be so involved in the 

 development of mineral and agricultural wealth, that instruction in geology, 

 mineralogy, mining, zoology, &c., will be of the greatest importance. There 

 should be two kinds of lectures ; one for those who desire to make these 

 branches their life business, and one of a more popular character, intended 

 simply to excite a general interest, and cultivate habits of observation 

 among the people, as well as an appreciation of the labors of scientific men. 

 Teachers of the common schools should be thus prepared to give a scientific 

 turn to the studies of their pupils, so far as to give some general ideas of 

 the structure of the earth and its parts, and of animal and vegetable forms 

 [Senate, No. 89.] 4 



