NOTES AND ADDITIONS. 



The following passages are from a letter addressed to me by a classmate 

 and intimate friend of Mr. Pickering. 



" A love of knowledge characterized Mr. Pickering from youth to old age. 

 Whatever was the subject of his attention, he acquired definite conceptions of it, 

 and these he fixed in his memory. His memory was exceedingly retentive ; part- 

 ly owing, no doubt, to the diligent cultivation of it. If to this love of knowledge 

 and strong memory you add his uncommon diligence, you get the principal ex- 

 planation of his extraordinary acquisitions. It is, however, to be added, that his 

 mind was of a truly philosophical or scientific cast. He always referred phenom- 

 ena to principles, so far as he could ; considering how far they went in support or 

 in contradiction of principles commonly maintained. His views of every subject 

 vt'ere comprehensive. When a partial discussion had led to a conclusion satisfac- 

 tory to common minds, he would bring forward the considerations which had been 

 overlooked, and thus prevent a too hasty or too confident decision. I can remem- 

 ber this trait of his character from the time when we were in college. 



" Mr. Pickering was pure in heart. Few men, if any, have I known as much 

 so. He seemed to have no affinity for evil thoughts, desires, and purposes. 

 They found no harbour in his breast. He had, as I believe, a true and sincere, 

 though unostentatious, piety. He certainly loved man, whom he had seen. He 

 was truly benevolent. To children he showed a tender care and kindness. He 

 was peculiarly liberal to all, and especially to the young, who were seeking to get 

 knowledge. And let it be noted, that this is much more than for the rich man to 

 be liberal in the use of his wealth. Such a one merits great praise, surely ; yet he 

 gives what he cannot use for himself The man of learning does not, indeed, seem 

 to deprive himself of any thing, in helping the student. His own knowledge is not 

 lessened in doing it. But he cannot impart it without giving his time ; and this, 

 like his heart's blood. Mr. Pickering would patiently attend to the young student, 

 leaving even his business to do so ; and then deprive himself of his sleep at night to 

 finish his business. 



