He has suggested a great number of mechanical
improvements in a variety of branches, and, upon the whole, is the most
original and the greatest mechanical genius I have ever seen. The return
of La Peyrouse (whenever that shall happen) will probably add to our
knowledge in Geography, Botany, and Natural History. What a field have
we at our doors to signalize ourselves in! The Botany of America is
far from being exhausted, its Mineralogy is untouched, and its Natural
History or Zoology totally mistaken and misrepresented. As far as I have
seen, there is not one single species of terrestrial birds common to
Europe and America, and I question if there be a single species of
quadrupeds. (Domestic animals are to be excepted.) It is for such
institutions as that over which you preside so worthily, Sir, to do
justice to our country, its productions, and its genius. It is the work
to which the young men, whom you are forming, should lay their hands.
We have spent the prime of our lives in procuring them the precious
blessing of liberty. Let them spend theirs in showing that it is the
great parent of science and of virtue; and that a nation will be great
in both, always in proportion as it is free.
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