250 
WANDERINGS IN 
FOURTH 
JOTTR VRV, 
To the indefatigable exertions of this gentleman 
is the western world indebted for the possession of 
this splendid museum. Mr. Peale is, moreover, an 
excellent artist. Look attentively, I pray you, at 
the portrait he has taken of himself, by desire of the 
State of Pennsylvania. On entering the room he 
appears in the act of holding up a curtain to show 
you his curiosities. The effect of the light upon his 
head is infinitely striking. I have never seen any 
thing finer in the way of light and shade. The 
skeleton of the mammoth is a national treasure. 
I could form but a faint idea of it by description, 
until I had seen it. It is the most magnificent 
skeleton in the world. The city ought never to 
forget the great expense Mr. Peale was put to, and 
the skill and energy he showed, during the many 
months he spent in searching the swamps, where 
these enormous bones had been concealed from the 
eyes of the world for centuries. 
The extensive squares of this city are ornamented 
with well-grown and luxuriant trees. Its unremit¬ 
ting attention to literature might cause it to be styled 
American the Athens of the United States. Here, learning 
and science have taken up their abode. The lite¬ 
rary and philosophical associations, the enthusiasm 
of individuals, the activity of the press, and the 
cheapness of the publications, ought to raise the 
name of Philadelphia to an elevated situation in the 
temple of knowledge. 
From the press of this city came Wilson’s famous 
“ Ornithology.” By observing the birds in their 
