2 
[ASSEMBET 
It is needless, at this time, for your committee to express any opi- 
nion upon the merits of the Natural History of this State. They are' 
justly appreciated by those capable of judging ; the highest praise- 
has been extended to the Slate that was jftrst to investigate, in a man- 
ner at all commensurate with the advantages to be derived therefrom, 
and no sordid view, fixed and governed by dollars and cents, can or 
should have the least influence upon this Legislature. 
In corroboration of this sentiment, your committee would here in- 
sert the memorial of Henry D. Rogers, B. Silliman, and Charles T. 
Jackson, who were appointed a committee, by the Association of 
American Geologists and Naturalists. It is in the following words : 
*' To the Honorable Legislature of New- York : 
" The Association of American Geologists and Naturalists, con- 
vened at New-Haven, respectfully represents, that in common with 
the scientific public of the United States and of Europe, and with the 
friends of learning everywhere, they have viewed, with interest, the 
progress of the geological and zoological surveys of the Slate of 
New-York, undertaken through the liberality and public spirit of 
your honorable body, and they have looked to their completion as 
about to form an era in the history of science in this country. They 
have learned, with much satisfaction, that these labors are nearly 
completed, and that the works embodying these results are published,, 
and they hope that il may not be considered intrusive on their part, 
if they respectfully pray that the Legislature will continue to act in 
the interest of science, by presenting copies of these works to the 
principal colleges of the several States, and to the leading institutions 
both at home and abroad, devoted to the cultivation of geology and 
natural history ; and also, by enabling individuals, not citizens of 
New- York, to obtain them at a reasonable cost. Your memorialists 
are persuaded, that such a disposition of a portion of these works 
would be in accordance with that honorable spirit which dictated the 
survey, would promote the cause of knowledge, and would reflect 
additional lustre upon the high character of the State of New-York. 
And your memiOrialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 
" The Association of American Geologists and 
Naturalists, by their committeey 
(Signed) ''HENRY D. ROGERS, 
" B. SILLIMAN, 
" CHARLES T. JACKSON." 
