1868.] Miscellaneous. 77 The Academy of Natural Sciences. — Since the rejection of the bill by the Legislature providing for the donation of Penn Square for the purposes of the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Phi- losophical Society, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Library, Academy of Fine Arts, and other institutions, the direc- tors of the Academy of Natural Sciences have been busily engaged in looking for a site on which to erect a building com- mensurate with their wants. Thejr have at last closed a bargain with the man- agers of the Wills Hospital, for the pur- chase of the lot of ground on the west side of Nineteenth street, running from Race to Cherry streets, extending 160 feet on Race and 190 feet on Cherry street. The price paid was $60,000. The Society will in a few weeks start the building, which will be put up in a plain but substantial manner, and, it is thought, will be read}' for occupation before the winter sets in. This is a good location, being surrounded by many other public buildings, and di- rectty in front of Logan Square. Nicholson Pavement Extension. — A number of gentlemen interested in the improvement of the city have started a plan to have the whole extent of Twelfth street repaved with this pave- ment, the trial of which on Broad has proved so satisfactory to our citizens. Twelfth is the first north and south street west of the river Delaware now unobstructed by passenger railways, and should forever be kept free for the pur- poses of parades, carriage travel, &c. Although the owners of property along this street, except in the old city limits, have ahead}' paid for the present cobble pavement, many of them are now willing to incur one-half the expense of the new pavement, in order to secure a great public improvement. Petitions to Coun- cils for this purpose are now being cir- culated for the signature of property- holders, and will be shortly presented. . Merchantville is certainly one of the most delightful of the many delight- ful suburban villages encircling Phila- delphia. This fact was folly realized on Saturday afternoon by a large party of merchants and prominent citizens of this sun-persecuted town, who became for a few hours the guests of the Hon. Alexander C Cattell, United States Senator from New Jersey, and his brother and business associate, Elijah G-. Cattell, Esq. By invitation of these gentlemen, the guests assembled at Market street feny, at a quarter after four o'clock, reaching Merchantville after a pleasant ride of only four miles, from the Camden slip by a special train over the Burlington county railroad. An ample collation was spread in a grove near the stopping-place, strawberries such as are grown only in the sands of Jersey being the chief attraction. After due attention had been given to these delicious fruits, short and humorous addresses were made by several gen- tlemen, and then Merchantville was inspected with great interest by all the members of the party, who were favorably impressed with the advan- tages which it offers as a country resi- dence for the business men of Philadel- phia. There is still abundance of room for the erection of residences, with fine grounds attached, and when the village has fairly attracted the attention of Philadelphians, its growth is destined to be both rapid and beautiful. The party re-assembled at the residence of Senator Cattell, and at 8 o'clock again took the cars for the city, thoroughly delighted with the adventures and enjoy- ments of the day. — Evening Telegraph, June 22d. A Department of Science and Art for Ireland, separate from that which already exists, is to be appointed. A commission has received powers to in- quire into the best mode of carrying out the objects of such a department.
