The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-07-14

ALBANY Observation-Disclosures or SAvANs.
The Albanians are making preparations to in
augurate their Observatory, for which they are
greatly indebted to the muniicence of lady,
the widow of Charles e. Dudley, Esq. Invita-
tons have been sent abroad to the most distin-
guished European saeuns, desiring their presence
on the occasion; and the lines of steamers, at
least two Of the principal Ones are to bring these
gentlemen over and take them back again free
OF expense. We may, then, expect pretty full
attendance at the Inauguration, which is to come
on next month. 1t is rumored that the Alba
mans are going to pitch tents in the Park for the
accommodation of their visitors If SO, we sup
pose they will literally be supplied with the beer
for which Albany rs SO celebrated. We should
hink, however, there are hotels enough to fur
nish lodgings, and halls enough to contain all
the audiences, without making camp meeting
affair of this scientific gathering.
But there is no doubt the occasion will be q
memorable one Our foreign visiters will find
out that we have more observatories in this coun-
try than there are in all Europe, that we have a
large class Of observant naturalists, and that we
are nation of inventors.
No doubt many interesting subjects, of an in
ternational and scientific character, will come
up, and this country will furnish new field for
the inquiry of the learned from abroad.
Our geology is not yet fully arranged. It was.
supposed we had the Oldest formations; this is
now disputed. Our mineralogy is highly interest
ing, and every days exploration brings to light
some interesting conformations and more valua-
bic minerals. Our botany is nearly complete,
though in our new Territories there are endless
varieties of shrubs, plants and flowers. Our
fishes are well described, though the habits Of
many species, of great commercial value, are not
yet thoroughly understood. But we have many
clever observers, who do not let even minnow
slip through their fingers without examinati01.
Our meteorology is here, elsewhere, in progress
only The State Of New York has done more for
this science than any other in the United States,
any other perhaps in the world. Under the d.
rection Of the Regents of the University, long
series of annual observations have been made
and published, and the science has been intro
duced into very many of our academies. 1t is at
this moment the great science of the age. 1t is
Of the most practical nature, and bears directly on
our material interests, on our commerce, our cli-
mate, our agriculture, our health. 1t is allied to
all the other physical sciences and offers the
most inviting field for research. 1t is open to the
unlearned as well as the learned. All who have
patience and accuracy may be good observers.
and may contribute each leaf to the great
volume which such minds as Humboldt will at
some future day bind up.
The British government has recently organized
a special department of the Board Of Trade,
where system Of observations is maturing, and.
from which maps, charts and instruments are
given to their shipmasters to secure their CO.
operation. This is carrying out the plan previ-
cusly adopted by our own government
At the conference at Brussels, in 1853, at which
NJ Quctelet, Of that city, presided measures were
adopted by which the whole world were to be
brought to unite in cultivating these excellent
arts Of peace.
!. No doubt these subjects viii be discussed again
at Albany. 1t is to be hoped that the occasion
will be one where neither personal glorifcation.
nor wealthy ignorance will divert the assemblage
from the real business before them.