656 LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



Should the preceding remarks induce you to 

 carry my suggestions into practical operation, 

 be assured that it will at all times give me the 

 greatest pleasure to contribute to the success 

 of your administration, not only by advice, 

 but by actual participation in your work when- 

 ever that is wanted. The scientific men of 

 America look to you for the publication of 

 the great results already secured by the Coast 

 Survey, well knowing that this national en- 

 terprise can only be benefited by the high- 

 minded course which has at all times marked 

 your intellectual career. 



Ever truly your friend, 



L. AGASSIZ. 



This year closed for Agassiz with a heavy 

 sorrow. His mother's health had been failing 

 of late, and November brought the news of 

 her death. Separated though they were, there 

 had never been any break in their intercourse. 

 As far as he could, he kept her advised of all 

 his projects and undertakings, and his work 

 was no less interesting to her when the ocean 

 lay between them than when he could daily 

 share it with her. She had an unbounded 

 sympathy with him in the new ties he had 

 formed in this country, and seemed indeed as 



