2d.  Mr. John M. Earle, of Worcester, Mass., solicits contributions to his collection of fresh-water shells.  “I have a higher object in view,” he remarks, “than the mere making of a collection—­viz., doing what I can to ascertain what new species remain undescribed, and what ones of those already described may be only varieties of others; and, in fine, by a careful examination of a large number of shells, brought together from various localities, to fix, more accurately than it has heretofore been done, the nomenclature of the several genera and species, and so particularly to define their specific characteristics as to leave little doubt on the subject.  The great variety of our fresh-water shells, exceeding that of any other country, seems to require something of this kind, in addition to the valuable labors of Say, Barnes, Lea, and others, who, although they have done much, have yet left much to be done by others, and have made some mistakes which require rectifying.”

14th.  Mr. Trowbridge writes from Detroit:  “The period intervening since your last visit to this place has been an eventful one to the nation.  South Carolina, driven on by a few infatuated men, has made a bold effort to shake off the bonds of Union and Federal Law, and, to the minds of some in whom you and I repose the utmost confidence, a happy government seems to totter on the brink of dissolution.  It is a long story, and the papers will tell you all.  God grant that the impending evil may be averted, and that the moral and religious improvement of this government may not be retarded by civil war.”  It is thought that this event, and the course taken by the President, will produce a great reaction in his favor, and that he will be supported by his old political opponents.  The governor is much occupied.  It is supposed the proclamation is from his pen.

18th.  M. Merrill announces the opening of an infant school, in which he is to be assisted by Mrs. Merrill, on Monday next.

21st.  Rev. J. Porter, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, reports to the Algic Society, that there is but little in the present state of religion here that is propitious.  “Of the little church gathered here during the last year, ten persons are absent, scattered wildly through our land.  There now remain twenty-six or twenty-eight communicants.  These seem, in a measure, discouraged by the present indifference.  The recent apparent conversion of three or four soldiers, and the increasing interest in their prayer-meetings and Bible class, give us some promise.  The Sabbath School, taught entirely by members of the church, is now in a state of pleasing prosperity.  And the infant school, lately organized under the direction of an admirably qualified teacher, promises to gratify the hearts of parents.”