416 APPENDIX. 



GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS IN RELATION TO THE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION 

 OF SPECIMENS, SHELLS, ETC. 



The undersigned, commanding the Exploring Expedition, has 

 examined the collections called for by him, and finds, with much 

 regret and mortification, that few or none have been made. 



The object of this communication is to avoid any misapprehension 

 hereafter, in regard to the orders heretofore given by the Navy Depart- 

 ment and myself, requiring the collection and preservation of all shells, 

 specimens, &c. 



To the country belong all our labours, and it being the earnest wish 

 of the government, that as large and extensive collections as possible 

 be introduced into the United States by the Exploring Expedition, it is 

 the duty, and should be the wish of every officer, to afford all the aid 

 in his power in effecting this object. 



Any selfish ideas of accumulating for ourselves, I trust are laid aside, 

 particularly when it is considered that the opportunity of effecting this 

 object will be much greater by united and general collections and 

 preservations, as all which are left, after the government are supplied, 

 would undoubtedly be returned to those who had collected them, if 

 desired, in preference to others. 



It is believed, that with proper exertions and attention, a sufficient 

 number can be obtained during the cruise, to supply every one who 

 may desire it, from the general collection. 



No expense or means will be spared by me on the part of the 

 government, to place every article in the most secure state of preser- 

 vation and safe keeping; this could not be done, if all specimens are 

 retained by the persons collecting them. 



1st. Hereafter, each officer will avail himself of every opportunity 

 of making collections, on shore and afloat, and transmit them to the 

 commander, or such person as he may designate, who will cause them 

 to be cleaned or arranged for safe keeping, and lists will accompany 

 them, with the name of the person who collected them. 



2d. All specimens, shells, &c, (in no case exceeding one hundred,) 

 will be required if they can be obtained. 



3d. The cost of any article purchased will be refunded, should it be 

 wanted by the government Valuable and rare shells, seldom met with, 

 will of course be retained by the government. 



4th. The Naturalists will have every opportunity afforded them, of 

 examining and describing any fish, shells, &c, as soon as taken. 



These arrangements will, it is hoped, produce the desired co-opera- 

 tion, and will insure success; not only meeting the view of the 



