been interrupted ; and, hence, the present volume — 
(which has been - published by the subscription of a 
few members and others, a subscription so limited as to 
have rendered it indispensably necessary to abridge the 
publication within the narrowest possible compass,) — 
instead of presenting, in the usual form, the proceedings 
of the Institute ; — gives a mere and meager abstract of' 
a voluminous and valuable correspondence, and an im- 
perfect account of donations and contributions to its 
library and cabinet. 
Washington, November 25, 1846. 
