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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 



At the time fixed, I called on him at his lodgings and took him, in my chaise, first to 

 Parker's Hill, where one species of hickory grew, then through Brookline, Brighton and 

 Cambridge, where two others were found, and to Chelsea, where a fourth, and one that 

 might be a variety, were growing. I pointed out the characteristics of each species in 

 growth, branching, bark, fruit and leaves, and especially in the buds. He listened with 

 the most captivating attention, and expressed surprise at my dwelling upon the pecidiari- 

 ties of the buds. " I have never known the buds to be spoken of as characteristic," said 

 he ; " that is new to me." 



We drove on to Chelsea Beach, which stretches off several miles, — apparently without 

 end, — and, as the tide was very low, was then at least a quarter of a mile wide. He was 

 charmed with everything, expressing his pleasure with all the earnestness of a happy 

 child, hardly able to restrain himself in his admiration and delight. He told me that he 

 had never before been on a sea-beach, but that he was familiar with the undulations and 

 wave marks on the old beaches laid open in the Jura Mountains. 



I need not say what a pleasant drive this was. I had long felt great interest in various 

 departments of Natural History, but had been so fully occupied with my own duties, as a 

 teacher, that I had been able to indulge myself fully, and that for a small part of the year, 

 in one only. Here was a companion who was intimately acquainted with all, and with the 

 most distinguished men who had been advancing them, and who was ready and happy to 

 communicate wealth of information upon every point I could ask about. 



The news of the death of Agassiz caused a throb of anguish in millions of hearts. Such 

 a death is a loss to mankind. What death among kings or princes in the Old World, or 

 among the aspirants for power, or the possessors of wealth, in the New, could produce 

 such deep-felt regret ? 



He is gone. We shall see his benignant face and hear his winning voice no more ; but 

 we have before us his example and his works. Let us dwell, for a few moments, on some 

 features in his life and character, as an inspiration and a guide, especially to those who 

 mean to devote their leisure, or their life, to natural history, or to the great work of 

 teaching ! What a change has taken place, in the whole civilized world, and especially in 

 this country, in men's estimation of the value and interest of these pursuits, since he 

 began his studies. To whom is that change more due than to Agassiz ? 



He was endowed by nature with extraordinary gifts. His fascinating eye, his genial 

 smile, his kindliness and ready sympathy, his generous earnestness, his simplicity and ab- 

 sence of pretension, his transparent sincerity ; — these account for his natural eloquence 

 and persuasiveness of speech, his influence as a man, and his attraction and power as a 

 teacher. For the development and perfecting of many of his highest and most estimable 

 qualities of mind and character, Mr. Agassiz was doubtless indebted to his noble mother, 

 who, judging from every thing we can learn, was a very rare and remarkable woman. 

 To the quiet, homely, household duties, for which the 'Swiss women are distinguished, she 

 added unconsciously, very micommon mental endowments, which she wisely cultivated by 

 extensive reading of the best authors, and by conversation with the most intelligent per- 

 sons. 



Trained by such a mother, Agassiz grew up in the belief of a Creator, an mfinite and 

 all-wise Intelligence, Author and Governor of all things. He was sincerely and humbly 



