The Portland daily press., 1864-12-08
Portland Society Of Natural History.

/ To the Editor or the Press: S@ Ea
/ Having business at the Registry of Deeds
was much disturbed to see record of an
attachment upon the real estate of the Port
land Society of Natural History. Upon in
quiry, I learn that the society has been en-
deayoring for two years past to discharge its
floating Indebtedness, incurred in remodel
ing the building now occupied by it, and has
succeeded in SO doing in all but few in
stances, of which this is one. The other in
debtedness Of the society is secured by mort
cages upon its real and personal property. the
interest of which must be paid from the scan
ty annual receipts of assessments. as1esis1
The society has struggled long and well to
sustain itself in our community, and has GER
tainly furnished an institution of great at
traction and usefulness, and one which is a
source of pride and honor to our city.
The liberality of our citizens in providing
means thus far for the maintenance of such an
Institution has certainly been well rewarded
by the enlighteuing and educational iRau-
ence of its labors, by the growing taste for
the study Of nature perceptible among our
youth, by the free exhibitions Of its valuable
collections, by the interesting and instruct
ing public meetings, and by the publication Of
its proceedings and journal 8 q ssebs6
Such an enterprise. however, as is evident
to all. is not self-sustaining lit must be sup
ported by the community in which it exists.
The society, by its many long years Of in
dividual unremunerated labor, care and re-
sponsibility, has shown itself able and compe-
tent to become power for good among the
many noble Institutions which make our coun-
try beloved and respected by the civilized ma
tons of the world, and has well earned the ia
vorable wishes, the fostering care and the ma
terial aid of our people.
1t is now burdened with debt which it has
no means TO discharge, and unless generous
public spirit furnishes timely aid to relieve it
from embarrassment and enable it to discharge
its honest liabilities, this city must suffer the
disgrace Of seeing all the property of this
cherished establishment, including its elegant
collections in all branches of science, sacri
feed, to satisfy the legal claim of the Sheriff,
at the hands of the public auctioneer
A comparatively small sum from the means
of onr citizens, will avert this impending dis
aster, and place the society, where it should
be, above any necessity of begging its way
through the paths of science and enlightened
education, and beyond the reach of importu-
nate creditors. Such assistance is Justly due
to the association of gentlemen In the various
walks Of life, who haveso long and faithfully
devoted their time and labor to promote the
knowledge OF the material laws of the mi
verse IN winch we are placed, and to bring
our people into closer communion with The
beauties and mysteries of nature. Their ef.
forts should not be allowed to pass unannra-
ciated, or without that encouragement to con.
tinued service, which relief from uecun,srv
embarrassments alone can render.
A fund of twenty thousand dollars should
be raised Immediately for this purpose. Who
will start this movement at once by gener.
Gus gift Of money? Who shall in after years
rejoice to visit the hall Of the society, and at
tend Its meetings, feeling that their efforts
and contributions were instrumental In secur.
ing 70 the community the honor, the pleasure
and the instruction which such an institution
must afford?
Let there be no backwardness or delav in
furnishing the necessary sunni Let ali orr
cie'zens vie with each other in this good cause
s smong the many others which call for our
loseel,ng care and liberal assistancel Let us
recoru 'ne nrst contribution to day!
q 81 80 Es-s PORTLAND.
50 The Uniyersalist Society of this CITY are 70
commence Immediately on their contemnlateJ