16 
[Assembly 
1 
(See Assembly Doc. of 1854, No. 71.) 
This single species of fossil, the Peritamerus Galeahis, has been 
/ made to cost as follows, viz : 
i ' 
1. Drawing 38 figures at $1,50 per figure, $57 00 
2. Engraving 36 do at $3,00, 108 00 
3. Lettering two plates at $3,50, 7 00 
4. Printing two plates 3,000 copies, 90 00 
5. Paper for the same, 60 00 
$322 00 
Eight wood cuts were prepared for the above fossil, which were 
abandoned for lithographs ^ ^-nrl '^' Wl Hng ' m v frr^. These wood 
cuts cost. 
For drawing, $12 00 
For cutting, 40 00 
Making a total of, for one fossil, $374 00 
It is conceded that three figures would have been a full illus- 
tration of the species, which is so well known. 
It seems to be the design of those having the control of the 
work to increase the number of figures, illustrating each fossil, 
beyond all precedent or necessity , adding thereby to its expense. 
The Paleontology of the ordinance survey of Great Britain, 
contains a description of 297 species, which are illustrated by 
763 figures; less than three figures for each species. (Phillips.) 
The number of species described in Murchinson's great work, 
the Silurian system^ is 375, which is illustrated by 701 figures; 
less than two figures to a species, and the illustration is regard- 
ed by all scientific men, as being very full. 
The first volume of the Paleontology of New- York, describes 
381 species, illustrated by 2,000 figures on 100 plates, making 
the average number to exceed five figures t(5 a species. One 
thousand figures ought to b© regarded, ty all scijentific men, as 
amply suflicient. - ^ ' 
The committee are therefore of the opinion that the commis- 
sioners, having this matter in charge, ought to place all future 
expenditures on the work within reasonable limits. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. 
