xliii 



had a manuscript eager, but unfit, for the press, he might be relied 

 on to give it form and comeliness, and to usher it into the world 

 with a preface or introduction. In such cases he was ever con- 

 tent to remain unknown, and to leave the whole literary credit 

 where it was most desired. It would be difficult to say which was 

 the greater, his modesty or his generosity. In some of these va- 

 rious professional and benevolent efforts, he found a most cordial 

 helper in a cherished and admiring friend, whose genius and learn- 

 ing were as practical as his feelings were generous and Christian, — 

 I mean our late eloquent associate, that warm-hearted and noble- 

 minded gentleman, Leverett Saltonstall, — whose delightful image 

 mingles sweetly with the memory of the friend whom he so hon- 

 ored and loved. 



These miscellaneous claims upon Mr. Pickering's attention rather 

 increased than diminished upon his removal to Boston. His pro- 

 fessional robe could not conceal him from the eye of science, or 

 from the calls of benevolence. Almost immediately his pen was 

 engaged, at the organization of the Boston Society for the Diffusion 

 of Useful Knowledge, in drafting its constitution, writing its first an- 

 nual report, and commending its objects to the public regard. He 

 was also its first vice-president, Daniel Webster being at its head. 

 Among the latest of these disinterested services was the learned 

 report which he made as chairman of a committee of Boston gen- 

 tlemen, recommending the purchase and introduction into the 

 country of a telescope of the first class, and illustrating the prog- 

 ress and the importance of astronomical science. These are but 

 instances. His familiar acquaintance with European languages at- 

 tracted many foreign gentlemen, whose society was so highly val- 

 ued by him, that he could not fail to give to it much of his time. 

 American scholars, too, always found him ready to listen, and 



