26 NINETEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGENTS, 



and life. The superintendents might d#this in part, though for this duty 

 to belong to them exclusively, would not be necessary or even advisable. 

 Any one who gave evidence of competency and aptitude might have a 

 chance, exactly as in the German universities, or rather as in the Lowell 

 lectures, where the lecturers are selected, either solicited or approved by a 

 board of trustees. 



To make the collection as useful as possible, useful at all, indeed, to the 

 multitude, complete and somewhat descriptive catalogues should be pre- 

 pared and printed as fast as possible. , • 



Thope are the ideas which came uppermost in reply to your questions, 

 and which I am happy to be able to express. The proposed collection of 

 rocks, minerals' and fossils, if carried out as it may be, must command the 

 attention of the world, and be more attractive than any yet made. As to 

 a general collection of recent animals, that may better be left to Barnum, 

 or to some of the existing societies elsewhere. 



Very respectfully. 



Your obedient servant, 

 „ " AUGUSTUS A. GOULD. 



Union Springs, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sth mo.ii 22, '65. 

 S. B. WooLWOi^TH, Secretary of Regents: 



Respected Friend — Sonie weeks ago I received thy circular in relation 

 to increasing the State collection of natural history. Being unable to 

 read, from diseased eyes, and supposing it to relate to the business of 

 Friends' Academy, I handed it to one of the trustees, as I had been re- 

 leased. I have since learped its true import, and hasten to make a sug- 

 gestion (although I fear too late), which I offer for what it is worth. I 

 propose that a list be procured of all the energetic young naturalists 

 throughout the State, or those who are interested in the natural sciences. 

 Older ones would perhaps not be willing to undertake the labor. Bequest 

 these young men to make collections of minerals and fossils, rare plants 

 and animals, and send their contributions to Albany with the understand- 

 ing thatrthey are to receive exchange specimens "in return — the number or 

 value of these specimens to 'depend on the value, number, or rareness ©f 

 those sent. In this way a very extensive exchange might be entered into, 

 which would greatly stimulate young men in the study of natural science, 

 encourage them by increasing their collections, and would afford an oppor- 

 tunity of adding to the State collection, by retaining the most rare and 

 valuable specimens. This would still leave large opportunity to the con- 

 tributors to receive many returns. I cannot but think that a department 

 of exchange thus established would be widely beneficial, and promote the 

 study of these sciences throughout the State. 



Very respectfully, 



J. J. THOMAS. 



