YOUTH 23 



a rude bridge, some quarter of a mile or more 

 beyond, one came to three more buildings — a 

 central one and two smaller stone structures, 

 one on either side, the whole facing the lake, and 

 overlooking a remarkable panorama of beauty. 



Very soon my studies drew me under the in- 

 fluence of Professor Burt G. Wilder. He had 

 been a pupil of Agassiz, and had graduated with 

 great honor at Harvard University. My work 

 with him began as a student in a class in physi- 

 ology. As the subject developed, I was fascinated, 

 and felt in a degree the value of my opportunity. 



Dr. Wilder as a teacher had a great influence 

 on everything I have since done in a scientific 

 way, though I was with him but a short time. 

 A physiologist and anatomist, he had also a very 

 considerable knowledge of general natural history, 

 and he encouraged every effort I made in that 

 direction. Such inspiration was extended to all 

 his students. 



I began to learn much about insects, particu- 

 larly butterflies and beetles. There were then no 

 classes in special branches of zoology, but my 

 attention being arrested, I would go to Dr. Wilder 

 with my problems, and with his help in this way 

 I pursued work outside of my regular college 

 studies. 



Up to this time I had shot but few birds in my 

 life — perhaps one or two. One afternoon that 



