public.  In the first article which appeared in your useful paper, over the signature of ‘Trio,’ I thought I discovered only the effervescence of a pedantic and caviling disposition; but, when I find that writer making false and erroneous statements, and drawing deductions therefrom unfavorable to Mr. Schoolcraft, I deprecate the evil, and invite the public to a free and candid investigation of the truth.  Not satisfied with detracting from the merits of Mr. Schoolcraft’s work, ‘Trio’ indulges in some bitter and illiberal remarks upon those gentlemen who composed the Yellow Stone River expedition; and to show how little qualified he is for the subject, I will venture to declare him ignorant of the very first principles upon which that expedition was organized.”

So much for the “Trio.”  No actual discovery of the authors was made; but from information subsequently obtained, it is believed that their names are denoted under the anagram LENICTRA.

Other criticisms of a different stamp were, however, received from high sources, speaking well of the work, which may here be mentioned.  Professor Silliman writes from New Haven, November 22d:  “I perused your travels with great satisfaction; they have imparted to me a great deal of information and pleasure.  Could any scientific friend of yours (Captain Douglass, for instance) prepare a notice, or a review, I would cheerfully insert it.

“In reading your travels, I marked with a pencil the scientific notices, and especially those on mineralogy and geology, thinking that I might at a future period embody them into an article for the journal.  Would it not be consistent with your time and occupations to do this, and forward me the article?  I would be greatly pleased also to receive from you a notice of the fluor spar from Illinois; of the fossil tree; and, in short, any of your scientific or miscellaneous observations, which you may see fit to intrust to the pages of the journal, I shall be happy to receive, and trust they would not have a disadvantageous introduction to the world.”

How different is this in its spirit and temper from the flimsy thoughts of the Trio!

Literary Honors.—­Dr. Alfred S. Monson, of New Haven, informs me (November 23d) of my election as a member of the American Geological Society.  Mr. Austin Abbott communicates notice of my election as a member of the Hudson Lyceum of Natural History.

Appointment under Government.—­A friend in high confidence at Washington writes (November 4th):  “The proposition to remove from Sackett’s Harbor to the Sault of St. Mary a battalion of the army, and to establish a military post at the latter place, has been submitted by Mr. Calhoun to the President.  The pressure of other subjects has required an investigation and decision since his return; so that he has not yet been able to examine this matter.  Mr. Calhoun is himself decidedly in favor of the measure, and I have no doubt but that such will be the result of the Presidential deliberation.  The question is too plain, and the considerations connected with it too obvious and important, to allow any prominent difficulties to intrude themselves between the conception and the execution of the measure.  If a post be established, it is almost certain that an Indian agency will be located there, and, in the event, it is quite certain that you will be appointed the agent.”