PREFACE. VU 



A laudable spirit of encouragement to a cultivation of our own re- 

 sources has been already evinced, by the efforts of the present ad- 

 ministration,in attaching scientific departments to military exploring 

 embassies. By thus affording facilites for learned men to penetrate 

 the recesses of our territory, a correct knowledge of the country will 

 be acquired. Already the expeditions have resulted in the accumu- 

 lation of geographical and natural historical documents and informa- 

 tion, of high value to our national interests; thus giving evidence 

 at once of their usefulness and the liberal views under which they 

 originated. Fostered by this spirit of encouragement, the native 

 genius of our country can expand her wings, and, soaring over 

 its extensive and fruitful regions, return loaded with literary and 

 scientific treasure. Hence Americans will dwell with pride on 

 the rising literary fame of their extensive and happy country. 

 They can indulge the fond anticipation, that its scientific great- 

 ness may become the brightest charge on the escutcheon of its 

 heraldic emblazonment. 



Deeply impressed with these'sentiments, the author has naturally 

 entertained the idea, that, though the efforts of an individual can ac- 

 complish but very little, towards so great an object as promoting 

 the advancement of national science: still something may be 

 effected even by individual labour, in a department too much 

 neglected by native Americans, too much contemned by narrow- 

 minded, self-interested teachers, in distinguished medical schools ; 



