836 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



land brought him to the New World, where he became the leading 

 mind in zoology, as Guyot was in physical geography, and Lesquereux 

 in paleontological botany. The two former, full of years and rich in 

 truths bequeathed to science, have passed away ; while the latter, bear- 

 ing lightly his fourscore years, still works actively in bryological and 

 paleontological studies at his home in Columbus, Ohio. 



It was a bright morning in early June when the writer called at 

 the house of Dr. Lesquereux. A few moments of waiting in the par- 

 lor were followed by the entrance of a middle-sized man with dark 

 eyes that flashed with mirth fulness when he spoke, and a step so 

 brisk, and hair and beard so free from time-strokes, that the long- 

 cherished patriarchal vision of the botanist's appearance vanished. 



" I am happy to make your acquaintance," said the colleague of 

 Agassiz and Guyot, in English, melodious with the accent of France. 

 "My son told me you were coming to see me," he continued, shaking 

 my hand cordially. "Do you speak French? No? So, so. With 

 my bad English and bad hearing " — he smiled, and pressed those ears 

 that had been dead to sound for more than half a century — " I fear 

 we can not carry on a satisfactory conversation," he said, as we drew 

 our chairs to the open window. Then, with glowing eyes and a win- 

 ning smile on his kindly old face, in response to written queries he 

 modestly told the story of his life. 



Leo Lesquereux was born at Fleuricr, Neufchatel, November 18, 

 1806. His immediate ancestors were French Huguenots. His father 

 was a manufacturer of watch-springs, and, as was the custom of the 

 country, wished his son to follow the same trade. The future botanist's 

 health being delicate, however, his mother desired him to study for 

 the ministry. But the grandeur of his mountain home had already 

 sunk deep into the impressible soul of the youth, and circumstances 

 sealed his preference for another pursuit. Under royal patronage the 

 Academy of Neufchatel enjoyed special advantages. When the young 

 Swiss crossed its threshold he met in the enthusiastic Guyot a con- 

 genial companion. " Guyot and I," said Lesquereux, " were for some 

 years brothers in study, working in common, and often spending our 

 vacations together, either at Guyot's home at Hauterieve or with my 

 parents at Fleuricr, and I owe much in life to the good influence 

 of this friendship." When Lesquereux had completed the Academy 

 course he went to Weimar to perfect himself in the German language, 

 preparatory to entering the university at Berlin. To defray his ex- 

 penses here, he taught French in a young ladies' academy. "They 

 were the happiest days of my life," he said. "My pupils were from 

 the noble families of Weimar. They were well educated, and came to 

 me for conversation. I remained at Weimar for some time. Then 

 love came, and I went back to Switzerland, and I never regretted it." 



It was at Weimar that the botanist met the young woman who 

 became his wife. She was of humble fortune but of noble family, and 



