STATE ZOOLOGIST. 21T 



Natural History is considered indispensable to a finished educa- 

 tion, the want of Museums in our State where the materials for 

 the prosecution of this most interesting branch of study may 

 be accessible to every one, is severely felt. 



To supply this want, complete collections of the plants and 

 animals of our State should be made so as fully to illustrate 

 their systematic relations and affinities of structure, due prom- 

 inence being given in their arrangement to the exhibition in a 

 suitable manner of those species that are of benefit to the 

 agriculturalist, as well as those that from their haWts are contin- 

 ually warring against his interests by committing ravages that 

 it is an object to keep within due bounds. 



Aside from all this, the study of nature has a still higher sig- 

 nificance than can be measured by any merely practical or pe- 

 cuniary advantages accruing from its prosecution. 



As the material expressions of the ideas of the Creator, the 

 Supreme Intelligence of the Universe, the world of organic be- 

 ings which He has created for man's contemplation and im- 

 provement, is certainly worthy the careful consideration of the 

 highest faculties of the human mind. 



In conclusion, I would make this public acknowledgment of 

 my indebtedness to a number of scientific gentlemen for their 

 disinterested assistance and encouragement, and to the public 

 generally for the many acts of kindness shown to myself and 

 party, during the progress of the survey. 



M. MILES, 

 State Zoologist. 



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