6 



Resolved, That recognizing the necessity of such 

 a museum as a means of education and recreation, 

 and desiring its establishment upon a scale commen- 

 surate with the wealth and importance of our great 

 city, we have heard with much satisfaction, that the 

 opportunity is now presented of securing by purchase, 

 in Europe, the largest and most valuable collection of 

 objects of Natural History, which has. been offered 

 for sale in many years. 



Resolved, That in our judgment immediate action 

 should be taken to secure this, or some other collec- 

 tion, as a nucleus of a great Museum. 



Resolved, That, therefore, a Committee be, and is 

 hereby appointed to raise the necessary funds, and to 

 act as trustees for, and dispose of the same, and of 

 the collections when acquired, and with full powers 

 to do whatever may be requisite or needful in con- 

 nection with the business, said committee to consist of 

 such of the signers to the recent letter of inquiry, 

 dated December 30th, 1868, and addressed to the 

 Commissioners of the Central Park, as may consent to 

 serve, with power to increase their number to twenty- 

 five. 



A permanent organization under a special charter 

 from the State Legislature was effected, and in a few 

 weeks the sum of $44,550 was secured. A valuable 

 collection of North American birds, containing over 

 three thousand specimens, was purchased from Mr. 

 D. Ct. Elliot, and arrangements made with Mr. J. G. 

 Bell to mount them. This was followed by the pur- 

 chase in Europe, by Messrs.. Blodgett and Elliot, of 

 the collection of the late Prince Maximilian : of Neu-: 



