1861.] ' MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. 5 



of Comparative Zoology, which was inaugurated under such 

 happy and favorable auspices, a short time since, is a fact of 

 great public interest and importance. It indicates at all events 

 that a very considerable number of the masters of science and 

 leaders of thought, as well as statesmen, politicians, and merchants, 

 had become sufficiently convinced of the value of the natural 

 sciences, as a part of public education, to induce them to combine 

 heartily and energetically in a strong, united effort to establish 

 this admirable institution on a firm and solid foundation, and 

 then to give a fair and favorable start to its career of practical 

 usefulness. While, however, this degree of enlightenment and 

 proper appreciation of the study of the works of nature has thus 

 been exhibited by the promoters of the new Museum, it is to be 

 feared that the public at large are not so sensible of the advan- 

 tages of such an institution, or of the studies of which it forms 

 the school ; and yet, whether we consider education from a 

 national or an individual point of view, these studies will be 

 found worthy of the deepest admiration and respect. To say 

 that their cultivation is eminently calculated to promote the 

 prosperity and wealth and progress of our common country, 

 would be but the repetition of a truism ; for it has been fre- 

 quently and convincingly demonstrated, that trade, manufactures, 

 and, above all, agriculture can only be fairly and fully developed 

 by the application of principles and practice derived from the 

 study of the natural sciences. Some may be inclined to think 

 that this remark, however true in reference to chemistry and 

 perhaps geology, cannot justly apply to zoology. A very little 

 reflection, however, will suffice to dispel this illusion. 



To understand the constitution and habits, even of the com- 

 mon domestic animals of the farm, so as to be able to raise the 

 best stock in the most economical way ; to feed our horses, our 

 cows, our sheep, in the most profitable and judicious manner ; to 

 preserve them in health, or to cure them when suffering from 

 disease, — we are bound to make ourselves acquainted with the 

 principles of zoology. Many of the class called "practical 



