8 
record their high appreciation of the ser\^ices of Professor Albebt S. 
BicKMORE, whose zealous devotion to tlie interests of the Institution, 
and untiring industry in carrying out the wishes of the Executive 
Comruittee, have done much to advance the prosperity of the Museum. 
We lay here to-day the Corner Stone of an edifice which shall be 
dedicated forever to the study and the culture of Natural History. 
These massive foundations already securely laid give promise of the 
most solid permanence in the superstructure. The wise forethought 
of the Park Commission, in reserving for the future use of the Museum 
the remainder of Manhattan Square, has provided amply for its con- 
tinued growth. 
The presence on this occasion of the President of the United States, 
who has Idndly consented to assist us in these ceremonies, a.ssures us 
of that public interest which is necessary to sustain the undertaking. 
The cheering words of the Governor will doubtless lend the coun- 
tenance of the State to sui^port this institution which has been founded 
by its bounty, and finally, the Ti ustees, in pledging once more their 
own efforts for its success, would bespealc for it that ]iopular favor 
without which it must surely languish and decay. 
Tlie Hon. H. G. Stebbins, President of the Depart- 
ment of Parhs, spohe as follows : 
When the arrangements for the celebration of the ceremony which 
has brought us here to-day were made, the duty was assigned to the 
Hon. Salem H. Wales, then President of the Park Commission, to 
represent the Department on this important occasion. He has since 
then resigned his office as Conunissioner and gone abroad. It devolves 
upon me to perform the duty which he had expected to fulfill. 
As he had prepared an Address for this occasion I shall take the 
liberty of reading it, and of expressing my sincere regret that he is not 
here to carry out the programme we had agreed upon. Mr. Wales 
in that case, would have said — ' 
The Legislature of the State of New York, at its session of 1864, 
placed Manhattan Square, a piece of property l)elonging to the City, 
situate between 77th and 8 Ist streets and 8th and 9lh avenues, con- 
sisting of about 19 acres, under tlie contn.l and nianao-ement of the 
