ENPages
p. 906
-906-
1851.
[Table-Barometrical Observations in Wisconsin.]
p. 907
-907-
1851.
Another branch of scientific inquiry, of the greatest importance, and peculiarly appropriate for the University is to institute such a system of meteorological observations throughout the state, as will accurately show the climate of Wisconsin. The results thus obtained by correct and continued observations would set at rest many of the misrepresentations and slanders (now daily uttered in New York by hired agents of other portions of the country) of the climate and agricultural capacities of our highly favored state. This subject should be considered and adopted without delay, so as to co-operate with the genera* syste, of similar observations extending over the whole continent. It would be of much advantage to Wisconsin to have these observations made and published in connection with the others, so as to show at once her exact position among the other states in regard to climate.
In forming the proposed cabinet, the remains of ancient [illegible] found in the state should not be neglected, for otherwise they will be sent off to swell the collections and add to the attractions of foreign cabinets and museums. Most of the works of that ancient people who once occupied this country are so slight that they are fast disappearing before the hand of modern "improvement" and in a few years nearly all trace of them will be gone forever. Hence it is a duty incumbent upon us to make a passing record of these "earthworks" for the benefit of the future scholar and historian.
It is the duty of the University and of its professors to be constantly "posted up" in the rapid increase of human knowledge so as to impart to students not the knowledge of the last century or the last year even, but all improvements and contributions to science up to the present time, and how can this be done unless adequate means are provided in books, apparatus and specimens?
Very respectfully,
I.A. Lapham.
