45 



At the close of the year 1868 an unexampled opportunity 

 presented itself, for securing the nucleus of a Museum of 

 Natural History. Edward Yerreaux of Paris, the largest col- 

 lector of such specimens in the world, died ; and his whole 

 collection was offered for sale. It was at once determined, 

 that at last, an earnest effort should be made, to secure a part 

 of these specimens, and our citizens responded so liberally, 

 that not only were the means obtained to purchase the choicest 

 specimens of the Yerreaux collection, but also the Elliot col- 

 lection of the Birds of North America, and the entire Museum 

 of Prince Maximillian, of Neuwied, Germany. With this 

 ample proof of the interest taken by our citizens in this 

 branch of Natural Science, the State Legislature, on April 

 6th, 1869, passed a special Act, creating such of the principal 

 subscribers as were willing to serve, a body corporate by the 

 name of the American Museum of Natural History, for the 

 purpose of establishing and maintaining in said city, a Museum 

 and library of Natural History, encouraging and developing 

 the study of Natural Science ; of advancing the general 

 knowledge of kindred subjects, and to that end of furnishing 

 popular instruction and recreation. 



Negotiations were then opened with the city, represented 

 by the Commissioners of the Central Park, who had nearly 

 completed our elegant public pleasure ground, and were ready 

 to add to its attractions, such means for the further instruction 

 of our people as would be afforded by such an Institution. 



The agreement made with the Park Department, was to the 

 effect that the Arsenal building should be fitted up with cases, 

 as a temporary place for exhibiting a part of our specimens, 

 until a suitable fire-proof structure could be completed. 



A petition, signed by many of our most prominent citizens, 

 was presented to the Legislature, who authorized the Depart- 

 ment of Public Parks to expend a sum sufficient for such a 

 building, and to set aside as much of the public lands under 

 their charge as they should deem necessary, for a site for such 

 structure, and its future extensions. By virtue of this law, 

 this square of 18-J acres was offered by the Department, and 

 accepted by the Trustees of the Museum, and plans were 'pre- 



