without public patronage, and without any other excitement than a desire to be useful, as humble contributors to the great stock of human knowledge, we have been able to accomplish so much, what might we not effect if public bounty should be united with individual contribution, and if the countenance of the Legislature should stamp a value upon our researches, and enable us to dispel the clouds which envelope the history of our country? " It is well known to your honorable body that America has been settled principally by the English, the Dutch, the French, the Spaniards, and the Portuguese. The Swedes at one period planted a Colony on the Delaware. The Danes also have occupied islands in the West Indies; and several islands between Asia and America derive their population from Russia and its dependencies. How important and how necessary is it to procure books which have been written in those countries, illustrative of the affairs of America. It is well known that many manuscripts are buried in the archives of State, or in the libraries of public bodies, which might be transcribed, and which would shed new light on our history. The Bibliotheca Americana, published in England, imperfect as it is, indicates what invaluable and unexplored treasures for our historians may be obtained in that country. " But we would beg leave to solicit the attention of the Legislature more particularly to the history of this State. It is unnecessary to descant upon the imperfections of its natural history. Whole departments of this science have been almost entirely neglected ; the powers