THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION. 15 



waiting for the sea to turn under it. Why, then, can- 

 not we have a Natural History Society in America? 

 In fact, we already have a little one, up here in these 

 Berkshire Hills. And we enjoy it so thoroughly, and 

 learn so much from it, that we wish it to grow larger. 



Not many of you need be told why we have named 

 our Society THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION. There are 

 few that have not heard something of the life and 

 work of that famous man so universally honored and 

 beloved Professor Louis Agassiz. In 1846 the great 

 Naturalist left his native Switzerland, made America 

 his home, accepted a Professorship at Harvard Col- 

 lege, and built up the greatest school of Natural His- 

 tory in this country. Though one of the most learned, 

 he was also one of the most devout and gentle of men. 



Mrs. Agassiz, the widow of Louis Agassiz, and Pro- 

 fessor Alexander Agassiz, his son, lend their cordial 

 approval to our Society and its work, and have very 

 kindly given us permission to use the father's name. 



THE RESPONSE. 



This invitation met a response at once gratifying 

 and unexpected. A very general interest in the study 

 of nature has been evinced by young and old. Classes 

 or Chapters have been formed in different towns, under 

 the direction of the central organization, and, where 

 this has been impracticable, individuals have joined as 

 corresponding members. Within seven years, more 

 than fifteen thousand students have been aided, and 

 more than twelve hundred local scientific societies es- 

 tablished. Though originally planned as an aid to 

 young people, the interest of the older ones has 

 proved even greater, and we are gratified to find on 

 our roll of membership the names of many fathers 

 and mothers, teachers and professors. Several of our 



