experiment with an arch
of between ninety and one hundred feet. Mr. Rumsey has also obtained
a patent for his navigation by the force of steam in England, and is
soliciting a similar one here. His principal merit is in the improvement
of the boiler, and instead of the complicated machinery of oars and
paddles, proposed by others, the substitution of so simple a thing
as the reaction of a stream of water on his vessel. He is building
a sea-vessel at this time in England, and she will be ready for an
experiment in May. He has suggested a great number of mechanical
improvements in a variety of branches, and, upon the whole, is the most
original and the greatest mechanical genius I have ever seen. The return
of La Peyrouse (whenever that shall happen) will probably add to our
knowledge in Geography, Botany, and Natural History. What a field have
we at our doors to signalize ourselves in! The Botany of America is
far from being exhausted, its Mineralogy is untouched, and its Natural
History or Zoology totally mistaken and misrepresented. As far as I have
seen, there is not one single species of terrestrial birds common to
Europe and America, and I question if there be a single species of
quadrupeds. (Domestic animals are to be excepted.) It is for such
institutions as that over which you preside so worthily, Sir, to do
justice to our country, its productions, and its genius. It is the work
to which the young men, whom you are forming, should lay their hands.
We have spent the prime of our lives in procuring them the precious
blessing of liberty. Let them spend theirs in showing that it is the
great parent of science and of virtue; and that a nation will be great
in both, always in proportion as it is free. Nobody wishes more warmly
for the success of your good exhortations on this subject, than he who
has the honor to be, with sentiments of great esteem and respect, Sir,
your most obedient, humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXCV.--TO J. SARSFIELD, April 3, 1789

TO J. SARSFIELD.

Paris, April 3, 1789.

Sir,

I could not name to you the day of my departure from Paris, because I
do not know it. I have not yet received my _conge_, though I hope to
receive it soon, and to leave this some time in May, so that I may be
back before the winter.

Impost is a duty paid on any imported article, in the moment of its
importation, and of course, it is collected in the sea-ports only.
Excise is a duty on any article