250 NATHANIEL SOUTHGATE SHALER 



the influence of your name in our country, they have deputized me to write 

 to you, begging that you will favor them with your written opinion of the 

 value of such surveys in the development of national resources and in the 

 furtherance of scientific investigation, and allow them to print and circulate 

 the same with the aforesaid report. 



Trusting that you will pardon this trespass upon your patience, 

 I have the honor to remain, 



Your most obedient servant, 



N. S. SHALER. 



Although Mr. Shaler had for some time (having received his 

 appointment in 1868) been discharging the duties of professor 

 of paleontology, there seems still to have been difficulty in 

 finding room for his classes. During his forty years of teach- 

 ing his classes migrated from one lecture-hall to another in 

 quest of space and air. His largest class, Geology 4, after various 

 wanderings found a resting-place for some time in Sanders 

 Theatre, and finally in the large lecture-room at the Museum. 

 Some of the letters written by Professor Agassiz at this period 

 throw light on Museum affairs, and also show that he was in- 

 terested in securing accommodations for Mr. Shaler's students. 



March 30, 1870 [?]. 



Dear Sir: I shall do everything that can be done to accommodate as 

 large classes of working students as are likely to be brought together. There 

 need be no delay about it, as our new building is up and I am willing to fit 

 out for the purpose any part that will answer. But the thing must be done 

 by the administration of the Museum and not by that of the College. 

 Ever truly yours, L. AGASSIZ. 



June 8th, 1870. 



My dear Shaler: I cannot let you or the Museum alone as long as I 

 live. Remember that the central part of the new building might have been 

 spoiled but for my interference; as long as I breathe I mean to look after 

 everything. It is my nature never to give up. 



Ever truly yours, L. AGASSIZ. 



My dear Sir: ... I have too much to say concerning your letter of 

 yesterday to do it in writing. I would only request you now to see the 



