Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1822-06-13
The alexandria Nusenm.

ences elude the observation, like the various
colours o. the rainbow blending and mixing
with each other"
1t is a source of high delight to inform the
public. that the Museum of our town., is reor-
gained. Altho' it NAV be true, that 1t does
not. at present, rival older establishments, vet
we have strong reasons to believe that time and
industry will elevate it TO respectable rank a.
rnongst the collections of the works OF nature
and art. From every observation which have
been enabled to make. entertain well groun-
ded assurance, that it will become highly
useful and ornamental establishment. Every
thing tends to confirm that result. The Cor
poration with a nuniicence becoming enhSht
cned understanding have granted the upper
Rooms of their spacious new building for the
use of this instructive, ediiying and innocent
exhibition, Neither viii they repent that they
have bestowed portion of the public property
for this most amiable and interesting object.
Charity will reap tire benefits ofthis good deed;
for the freezing orphan and disconsolate widow,
will annually receive portion of the proceeds
arising from its receipts. 1t was originally
founded on charitable principles, and 1t IS IN
tended that the same motives shall ever consti-
eute its basis.
It mas teen acknowledged bv moral and reii-
gious writers. that nothing is better calculated
TO impart to us. correct ideas OF the omnpo-
tence and wisdom of God, thar such an insti-
tntion. Here all the infinite varieties of crea-
-tion and invention are displayed In their most
minute and diversified FORMS In this spot are
concentrated rare, striking and singular pro-
ductions from everv quarter ofthe globe. The
depths ofthe ocean, and the caverns ofthe earth
will here afford to the contemplative mind
sources of exhaustless and ever increasing adj
n;rat;on. The hand of God is here manifested
IN his works; and thev are unfolded IN all their
features TO the lover of virtue and science, with
out the fatigue and danger Of traversins the
earth for their discovery. Here our thoughts
NAV reach the summit ola long ascending Sc"
ries offerings, which may be extended even to
the great Author himself. This Museum will
become the storehouse of every curious ana
miraculous production from the formidable
Mammoth once the proud lord of this new
world, to the mouse whose exquisite form and
smallness of size forms so great contrast to ITS
70 Sha hnT m N
bird the minutest ofthe feathered race. Some
aarts of the first named animal have been al
ready obtained, and from the promises OF the
known friends of the institution, reasonable
hopes are entertained that the whole skeleton
will be procured. When we moreover consid-
or the commercial relation which this town
bears to almost every cline; we oughtto be I'LL
ed with sanguine expectations OF behoiding this
Museum at distant day, as much our pride
and boast, as Peale's IS that of our illustrlous
sister city Philadelphia.
Enlightened merchants and scientific navi-
gators and travellers, will feel it bounien duty
to use their exertions to promote this institu-
tion and render their country, equally as con-
spicuous for its renown In works of nature and
art, as she is now in political and military glo
~. Not only will those useful citizens be
prompted in this undertaking, but every other
citizen, who is governed by spirit of Philan
Ehrophy will be inspired with the same lauda
bic desire Statesmen and warriors, and thu
hardy and adventurous sons OF the ocean ane
forest, will always have in view that the pro
notion of this institution will not only contel
credit and honor on its patrons but will have
greater and more lasting effect, in cherishins
principles of piety, and impressing on the hu
man heart durable stamp of the Creator Q
tie Unarerse. To these then, and to all tn
learned good and wise of every nation and Ian
guage, appeal, with certainty of success, t.
oprear tins young institution, and make it tn
pride ofthe land where It is located, and tc fur
nish it with marine, vegetable, animal and min
eral productions. Let it be particularly among
che citizens of our own neighborhood; an insti
tuition which ought to be respected with tn
utmost reverence. Let us all unite around /
as one, which should be supported with liberia
donations, and as tending in its consequences
to producethe most beneficial, moral and reli
gfous effects. All those who feel an interest il
IS prosperity, are earnestly desired to presen
TO the Museam what they may deem worthy G
exhibition. Merchants and navigators VIII
possess SO many opportunities OF acquiring