He has been a deep student of natural history, especially of conchology, and the valuable collection of shells, formerly in his possession, and which is now in the New York Museum of Natural History, having been purchased by Miss Wolf and presented to that institution by her, in memory of her father, has the reputation of being the finest in the country. On this blanch Dr. Jay has written several pamphlets, among which are the following : " Catalogue of Recent Shells, etc.," New York, 1835, 8vo, pp. 56 ; "Description of New and Rare Shells, with four plates," New York, 1836, 2d ed., pp. 78 ; " A Catalogue, &c., together witli a description of new and Rare Species," New York, pp. 125, 4to., ten plates.
The article on shells in the narrative of Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan, is also by him. He has been connected with many prominent literary and social organizations, both in Westchester County and in the city of New York, where he spends much of his time. He has been for many years a trustee of Columbia College, and has, at two different periods, served as trustee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the City of New York. He was one of the founders and at one time recording secretary of the New York Yacht Club, the annals of which will show the lively interest which he took in its management and general
Tlie Life of .loliii Jay," in 2 vols. By Ills son, William ,Tay. 3See "Continued Catalogue of Columbia College."