41 



Arsenal building is now wholly inadequate for the proper display of 

 their precious Collections, and the Department of Public Parks has 

 determined to construct a much more extensive edifice, which in its 

 general design and purpose should equal the largest museums of the 

 Old World. "We are here to-day to lay the Corner Stone of such an 

 edifice, and as the representative on this occasion of the Department 

 of Public Parks, I take great pleasure in assuring the Trustees and the 

 friends of the Society of the great interest felt by the Commissioners 

 in the success of this worthy enterprise. To the stranger who comes 

 here to-day these rugged foundation walls and these rough surroundings 

 are not well calculated to make a pleasant impression ; but to us who 

 have watched the rapid growth northward of this city, and who were 

 familiar with the barren and rocky ground upon which the Central 

 Park has been created, it requires but little strain upon the imagina- 

 tion to conceive of the speedy occupation of all these vacant lots by 

 substantial dwellings, and to picture to ourselves the spot upon which 

 we now stand, known as Manhattan Square, as covered by the pro- 

 posed Museum of Natural History, costing, ere its final completion, 

 not less than $6,000,000, and embracing a collection of objects of 

 scientific interest second to none other in the world. As a people we 

 are sometimes accused of excessive practical and money-making 

 characteristics ; and it cannot be denied that in all the varied arts and 

 appliances which minister to the material progress of mankind we have 

 shown remarkable energy. The Patent Office at Washington is a 

 stately monument that bears witness to the patient genius which has 

 wrought out the wonderful inventions now so largely employed in all 

 the busy affairs of the country ; and while it is true that mechanical 

 and agricultural fairs and exhibitions have extended their good influ- 

 ences throughout every State and county in the land, it must be 

 acknowledged that the same attention has not been given to the 

 collection of objects of Natural History, of which our country has 

 almost an infinite variety. 



With the acquisition of wealth and the introduction of ease and 

 luxury in the homes of the rich, there comes most naturally the 

 enlarged and more noble thought of doing something not only to amuse, 

 but also to instruct the people. 



The subject of museums is beginning to assume new importance in 

 the estimation of the people. 



Hitherto, small and comparatively worthless collections have been 



