LETTER FROM HUMBOLDT. 187 



in case of need, to contribute to its success. 

 One must aim at a settled position in life. 



Pray excuse, Madame, the brevity of these 

 lines, and accept the assurance of my respect- 

 ful regard. HUMBOLDT. 



The letter which lifted such a load of care 

 from Louis and his parents was as follows : 



HUMBOLDT TO LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



PARIS, March 27, 1832. 



I am very uneasy, my dearest M. Agassiz, at 

 being still without any letter from Cotta. Has 

 he been prevented from writing by business, 

 or illness perhaps? You know how tardy he 

 always is about writing. Yesterday (Mon- 

 day) I wrote him earnestly again concerning 

 your affair (an undertaking of such moment 

 for science), and urged upon him the issuing 

 of the fossil and fresh-water fishes in alternate 

 numbers. In the mean time, I fear that the 

 protracted delay may weigh heavily on you 

 and your friends. A man so laborious, so 

 gifted, and so deserving of affection as you 

 are should not be left in a position where 

 lack of serenity disturbs his power of work. 

 You will then surely pardon my friendly good- 

 will toward you, my dear M. Agassiz, if I en- 



