A LETTER FROM AGASSIZ 227 



can students whom I love best. He goes to Europe for the purpose of study- 

 ing the most important geological localities, for learning the recent progress 

 of science, and also to visit the principal museums and collections, particu- 

 larly fossils. I pray you give him your good counsel to aid him in the ac- 

 complishment of his object. Believe me always your very devoted friend, 



Louis AGASSIZ. 



From the same to Mr. Shaler: 



NAHANT, August 6th, 1867. 



My dear Sir: ... I have been seeking for two months, in order to answer 

 your letter to me, your direction, which I could get from no one, never having 

 been informed that you made Montreux your headquarters. Well, you 

 could not have chosen a lovelier spot. 



I was delighted to hear from you such good news of your health and scien- 

 tific pursuits. It is my belief that you cannot do better than to go on with 

 your present course, strengthening your health and extending your know- 

 ledge of classical geological grounds. As to your return to Cambridge, 

 let it not interfere with those primary considerations. Nothing shall be 

 done here that may interfere with your projects. And in this connection 

 I would say that there are doubts entertained concerning Mr. Whitney's 

 return to the East and that I would therefore recommend you to make 

 yourself the more earnestly familiar with practical geology: and if you have 

 any inclination that way and time to do it, also with mining geology. I 

 was particularly glad to hear of the extensive collections you have been 

 making, and also of your visiting Alpine localities. There is not an American 

 geologist who has the slightest idea of mountain-structure on a grand scale, 

 unless it be Whitney; certainly neither Hall, nor Lesley, nor Newberry, 

 nor Dana know anything about it practically. All their views are purely 

 theoretical and it is the more advantageous for you to make the most of 

 your opportunities. Do not neglect also the glaciers and glacial traces. 

 As to the collections you want to send home, request Mr. Francillon to make 

 them over to some Commissionnaire and have them forwarded by sailing 

 vessel. . . . With kindest remembrance to Mrs. Shaler, Yours very truly, 



L. AGASSIZ. 



