Patent Office, Washington City.
The principal Hall is 213 feet long, 63 feet wide, and 30 feet high.
A National Gallery in the Patent Office is open for he reception of unpatented models and specimens of Manufactures and Agriculture. Preparation will be made to exhibit articles deposited, to the best advantage, and every attention bestowed to protect them in glass cases, from injury or loss.
Few, very few, are aware of the progress of the arts in the United Slates, and hence the scepticism as to the ability we possess to supply our own wants. Our factories, scattered over a widely extended surface, are seen by travellers only, and they can visit but few, in traversing the leading routes. Unlike the concentrated establishments in Europe, where steam power is used, here, factories and work-shops are found in retired spots, where streams (a valuable portion of national capital) give the most economical–the hydraulic power.
Annual fairs, in many places, have done much good and excited a laudable emulation; but these have been limited to a short duration, and designed for citizens in their immediate vicinity. It is now proposed to establish, at the Seat of Government, a National Gallery, to remain a perpetual exhibition of the progress improvement of the arts in the United States. The the most beautiful specimens of the genius and industry of the nation will be found; and what American can visit the Gallery, and not be still prouder of his country, and feel that while we are free, we are also independent.
The rooms, though spacious, will not admit of cumbrous articles; samples and specimens, similar to those exhibited at the principal Fairs, will be thankfully received. I would observe, the Patent Office is fireproof, and guarded by a careful watch.
The Diplomatic Corps, and the Navy, are using much effort to transmit to the Patent Office the most valuable exotics, while from the agriculturists of this country are expected the best specimens of indigenous seeds.
During the session of Congress of 1839–40, an act was passed authorizing the Commissioner of Patents to collect statistics, and, in various other modes, to promote the agricultural interest of the United States.
Deeply impressed with the importance of this subject, and regarding it as the commencement of a system, which, if properly carried out, will confer incalculable benefits on our common country, the Commissioner embraces an early opportunity to invite cooperation in introducing foreign Seeds which are rare and valuable. Public vessels are fully authorized to receive specimens. Reasonable freight, however, will be paid by the Office, for shipment in private vessels.
An exhibition of the spike of the different grains, indigenous and exotic, is contemplated in the new Patent Office; hence the importance of sending, if possible, a specimen of the original stalk with the grain attached.
Directions for putting up and transmitting Seeds.
With a view to the transmission of seeds from distant countries, the first object of care is to obtain seeds that are fully ripe, and in a sound and healthy state.
Those seeds that are not dry when gathered, should be rendered so by exposure to the air, in the shade.
When dry, the seeds should be put into bags of common brown paper. A portion of the seeds may also be put in other kinds of paper. Those that might effectually exclude air and moisture are the best for that purpose. It would be proper, also, to enclose some of the seeds in paper or cloth that has been steeped in melted beeswax. Seeds collected in a moist country, or season, may be packed in charcoal.
After being put up according to any of these modes, the seeds should be enclosed in a box, which should be covered with pitch, to prevent them from damp, insects, and mice. They should be kept in a cool, airy, and dry situation; not in the hold of the ship.
The oily seeds soonest lose their germinating faculty. They should be put in a box with sandy earth, in the following manner: first, about two inches of earth at the bottom; into this the seeds should be placed at distances proportionate to their size; on these another layer of earth about an inch thick; and then another layer of seeds: and so on, with alternate layers of earth and seeds until the box is filled within about a foot of the top, which space should be filled with sand; taking care that the earth and sand be well put in, that the seeds may not get out of place. The box should then be covered with a close network of cord, well pitched, or with split hoops or laths well pitched, so as to admit the air without exposing the contents of the box to be disturbed by mice or accident. The seeds thus put up will germinate during their passage, and will be in a state to be planted immediately on their arrival. It would be well, also, to enclose some of them (each seed separately) in a coat of beeswax, and afterwards pack them in a box covered with pitch.
It is not intended, however, by these instructions, to exclude the adoption of any other modes of putting up and transmitting seeds and plants, which are in use in
