BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JOSEPH DUNCAN PUTNAM. 233 



of the manly traits of self-reliance, and a resolute determination to 

 improve to the best advantafff the means afforded for increasing- his 

 geographic and scientific knowledg-e. He would no doubt have ac- 

 complished more in his favorite science, if he had been less ham- 

 pered by otliei- duties and the necessary restraints of military disci- 

 pline. 



Still the natural wonders of that strange region end)racing the 

 Geyser basin, and the magnificent Yellowstone Lake, had an enliven- 

 ing effect on liis susceptible mind, and 2:)OSsibly kept out of view a 

 constitutional weakness that was even then making inroads on his 

 physical powers. No special direction to any particular line of study 

 was noticeable from this expedition, except a more careful attention 

 to meteorological oljservations on his own account, favored as it sub- 

 sequently was by the possession of a very complete set of meteoro- 

 logical instruments. Returning home from this second western trip 

 in which he had the satisfaction of more than meeting his personal 

 expenses, his continuous field observations quickened a natural desire 

 to make them more useful by a thorough course of scientific train- 

 ing. He accordingly undertook the necessary preparation for Harvard 

 Ijiiiversity, till all his plans were suddenly suspended by a severe 

 hemorrhage from the lungs. Thus reminded that an active mind re- 

 quires for its efficient development a sound and vigorous body, he 

 was brought face to face with the neglected subject of personal 

 health, and subjected to the wearying, but often necessary discipline 

 of weakness. 



It may be difficult to see in this apparently thwarting" experience, 

 in one so young and promising, any real compensation — long days of 

 weariness with utter inability to accomplish a work that seemed 

 waiting for just such a worker, a willing spirit in a slender frame 

 that could not endure the rack of labor. Still there was plain to be 

 seen a growth of moral powei', that might not have been otherwise 

 attained. H(^ began thus early to realize that what he had to do 

 should be done well and thoroughly, and that there must ever be a 

 prudent regard to all the means for economizing the vital powers, in 

 order to accomplish the highest results. Hence gradually came a 

 more resignedly cheerful view of his condition. For his special 

 friends he had always ready a cheerful and pleasant smile, and a 

 kind greeting. The objects of intei'est now took an absorbing hold 

 upon him, and he worked as under the eye of the great Task-master, 

 who pays for work rendered, by daily strength to perfoim, and power 

 [Proc. D. A. N. S., Vol. III.] 80 



