be sent to Philadelphia, and there studied in connection 
with some of the older collections of fishes in the Acad- 
emy of Natural Gn ip nce a was approved by the officials of 
the Museum. Especial interest was atteched to a comparison 
with the Hawaiian material gathered shortly after the Ex- 
ploring Expedition's visits by Townsend and Nuttall. An 
interesting historical retrospect is also here afforded, 
as the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia was 
solicited to nominate the scientific staff, which after- 
werds rendered such excellent returns. 
Although the initation of such an effort as a United 
States Exploring Expedition called for prodigies of daring 
and labor in many fields, the obstacles doubtless appearing 
unsurmountable, one may now readily see its final eccomplish- 
ments as the measure of its success. Well may we wonder that 
there ever was a United States Exploring Expedition, for 
even at the present time it is extremely doubtful if any 
such voyage could be solicited for such purposes as the in- 
genious and intrepid Wilkes devised. It is not our purpose 
to dwell on the glories of this truly great undértaking, 
though may we ever cherish admiration for the gallant Com- 
mander and his faithful men for the luster they have added 
to the American flag. The discovery of the Antarctic Conti- 
nent was, of course, not among the least of the many achiev- 
ements, as the numerous volumes relating to the expedition 
attest. It is, therefore, as a contribution to science that 
the present notes and studies are offered, as well as to com- 
