Notes

Abstract

WE hear with regret that the publications of the Geological Survey of the Territories by Prof. Hayden are likely to be stopped by the partisans of rigid economy in the U. S. House of Representatives. If this step be carried out it will be a serious loss to the scientific men of Europe, as well as of America. The discoveries which have been made by the staff under Prof. Hayden's direction are of the highest value, both from a scientific and a commercial point of view, and the liberality with which they have been circulated in Europe by the American Government has earned the gratitude of all who care for the advancement of knowledge. We trust that the rumour is untrue. If it be true, we hope that a voice of remonstrance will go forth from Europe. The possibility of a political change putting an end to a great national work like that of Prof. Hayden illustrates one of the worst flaws in the American Constitution, the cancelling of all Government appointments at the election of a new president.