Ivii 



matters of jurisprudence, science, and learning, with distinguished 

 names at home and abroad ; especially with Mr. Du Ponceau, at 

 Philadelphia; with William Von Humboldt, at Berlin; with Mitter- 

 maier, the jurist, at Heidelberg ; with Dr. Pritchard, author of the 

 Physical History of Mankind, at Bristol ; and with Lepsius, the 

 hierologist, who wrote to him from the Pyramids in Egypt." * 



All Mr. Pickering's writings are stamped with the excellence of 

 his clear, simple, graceful style, — a style unsurpassed by that of 

 any English author on similar subjects. With proper words in 

 proper places, and bearing the polish of refined taste, it yet flows 

 as naturally as if no thought or labor were bestowed upon it. Al- 

 most any one might hope to write in the same manner. 



" Sudet multum, frustraque laboret 

 Ausus idem." 



The most essential purpose of language is always attained by 

 Mr. Pickering's diction. We see, at once, the ideas he would ex- 

 press, as distinctly as we behold material objects in a clear sky. 

 Nor was his style incapable of rising to an impassioned tone of 

 eloquence, as we have seen on one occasion, at least, when he felt 

 called upon to administer a suitable rebuke to philological presump- 

 tion. His indignation, if roused, could flash its scorching fires, 

 gentle and benignant as was his whole nature. 



But Mr. Pickering's strongest claims upon our admiration and 

 gratitude arise from the exalted spirit and principles which actu- 

 ated him in all his works. No selfish ends or views ever appear ; 

 nothing to set ofl" his powers, or to gain notoriety ; while all his 

 important writings are imbued with his rare learning and philan- 



* 9 Law Reporter, 66. 

 h 



