10. 
of the successful accomplishment of the object for which they werR 
incorporated. 
Such has been the zeal and earnestness displayed by tliis Society in 
the prosecution of its work, that the space already allotted in the 
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 a.ssuring the Trustees and the 
friends of the Society of the great interest felt by the Commissioners 
in tlie success of this worthy enterprise. To the stranger who conies 
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 wlio 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 dwelling.s, 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 tlio rich, there conies most naturally the 
