1852.] 187 
expand the limits of human knowledge in any of its branches. While asking 
Congress to augment the means of instructing young men for different depart- 
ments of the naval service, he pleads the cause of science in a manner worthy 
of that enlightened judgment which should characterise all who participate in 
the direction of nautical affairs. He announces that expeditions to Japan, to 
the China Seas, to Africa, to the interior of South America, to the Pacific 
Ocean, and to the Arctic regions, are in progress, or about departing to seek 
and peacefully open new fields of enterprise; and while he incites the spirit of 
hardy adventure, he encourages, to the extent of the means in his power, tare- 
ful observation and scientific observation of natural phenomena. He advocates 
explorations which promise results beneficial to the agricultural, commercial 
and manufacturing industries of the country; and for motives apparently ana- 
logous to those which animate the members of this institution. Therefore, 
Resolved, that the Corresponding Secretary be directed to address a Jetter to 
the Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy, expressive of the gratifica- 
tion the Society derives from the disposition he manifests to encourage men 
engaged in the cultivation of science; a disposition more especially exhibited 
in the permission given to our fellow member, Dr. E. K. Kane, of the Navy, to 
undertake the direction and management of an expedition to the north polar 
regions, to ascertain the fate of Sir John Franklin; afi enterprise sustained by 
the intelligent munificence of Henry Grinnell, Esq.; and a few other American 
gentlemen. | 
Resolved, That science does not limit its benefits and influence to any class 
or caste of men; being open and free to all alike, it isrepublican and democratic 
in its tendency; and therefore, the members of the Academy of Natural 
Sciences of Philadelphia may hope that the National Legislature will foster the 
several expeditions embracing scieritific research, by granting such seasonable 
supplies and substantial encouragement as may be worthy of the most powerful 
and wealthy republic on the face of the earth. 
Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary is hereby instructed to furnish a 
copy of these resolutions to the President of the Senate of the United States, 
and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the information of 
Congress, and also to the Secretary of the Navy. 
On leave, granted, Mr. Cassin, from the Committee on Dr. Heer- 
mann’s paper, entitled ‘‘ Notices of Birds observed in California,’’ 
reported in favor of publication in the Journal of the Academy, which 
was adopted. : 
December 2st. 
Vice-President Bringes in the Chair. 
Mr. Cassin presented a paper by P. R. Hoy, M.D., of Racine, Wis- 
consin, intended for publication in the Proceedings, describing two 
species of Owls, presumed to be new, inhabiting the State of Wisconsin 
during the winter season. Referred to Mr. Cassin, Prof. Haldeman 
and Dr. Heermann. 
Mr. Conrad presented a paper intended for publication in the Pro- 
ceedings, entitled, ‘ Notes on Shells, and descriptions of new species.’’ 
Referred to Dr. Ruschenberger, Dr. Le Conte and Prof. Haldeman. 
Dr. Hallowell presented a paper, intended for publication in the 
Proceedings, ‘‘On a new genus and two new species of African 
31 
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