48 
They will be described by the scientific members of the Institution, and their uses 
and advantages pointed out, and the specimens exhibited to the public in its mu¬ 
seum. 
You are respectfully requested to bring with you, on your return, such speci¬ 
mens as you may collect during the ensuing recess. Even a single specimen from 
each member will be of great advantage to the Institution, and be thankfully re¬ 
ceived as a tribute to science. 
We have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servants, 
J. R. POINSETT, 
J. K. PAULDING, 
To the Hon. ———■. Directors. 
A letter was read from Lieutenant W. D. Porter of the 
United States Navy, dated the 17th January, 1840, and was 
referred to the Directors, who were requested to carry into ef¬ 
fect, if in their power, its suggestions. 
• Extract from Lieutenant Porter’’s letter. 
“ The Army and Navy could be made beneficial to the Institution. There are 
many in both branches who would, no doubt, employ their leisure in obtaining 
specimens and information, provided they were directed in the right way. A 
cabinet could be placed on board of all our sea-going ships under the charge of the 
commander, in which might be deposited specimens by all persons desirous of 
making donations, to be finally sent to Washington. By such an arrangement 
the society would receive duplicates which might be presented to the colleges an^ 
museums of the country. Cabinets at all the army and naval depots might in the 
same way be made highly useful. The donors and collectors would feel them¬ 
selves amply rewarded by knowing they were aiding in the diffusion of useful 
knowledge in their country.” 
Information has been received that about 150 boxes, the re¬ 
sults, as far as have been received, of the Exploring Squadron’s 
exertions, containing a variety of interesting objects of Natural 
History, and destined for the cabinet of the Institution, have 
been shipped at Philadelphia, and are expected as soon as the 
navigation opens. In consequence of the statements contained 
in the following communication, the specimens will not be 
handled until all the necessary arrangements shall have been 
made: 
“It would be unadvisable to break open the cases containing the articles collect¬ 
ed by the South Sea Exploring Expedition, until such period as they are intended 
to be prepared for exhibition. This refers to the zoological and ornithological de¬ 
partment principally. 
