LETTERS FROM PROFESSOR AGASSIZ. 155 



confirms my theory. The English journals will, without 

 doubt, have informed you in regard to it. The " Athenaeum," 

 and the " Literary Gazette," have given a detailed account 

 of my observations on the subject, and those also of Dr. 

 Buckland and Mr. Lyell. It is highly important that 

 American geologists should study attentively the analogous 

 phenomena which America presents. 



Your very devoted servant, 



L. AGASSIZ. 



NEUFCH!TEL, 8th February, 1841. 



FROM PROFESSOR AGASSIZ. 



MY DEAR SIR, The serious illness of the Prince of 

 Canino, has obliged him to give up the idea of a journey to 

 the United States, and came near forcing me to renounce 

 mine also. But the works of the American naturalists, 

 which I have studied for several years, have inspired me 

 with so great a desire to see your country, that it would 

 have cost rne much to give up the plan. Your letter had 

 increased my desire still more, but the necessary resources 

 were wanting to undertake so long a journey, when through 

 the recommendation of M. Humboldt, his Highness the 

 King of Prussia has put it within my power to realize my 

 plans, and instead of going merely to pass some months 

 in your country, I shall be enabled to extend my stay in 

 America to nearly two years. It is a great pleasure to me ; 

 and I rejoice greatly in the prospect of passing so long a 

 time in the midst of men whose learning and activity I have 

 learned to appreciate, and to profit by the numerous oppor 

 tunities I shall have to extend my acquaintance. But you 

 know, my dear sir, one cannot leave one's home for two 

 years without having to put many things in order, and it 

 has been these preparations which have hindered my depar 

 ture until now. I have even determined to finish all my 

 works, which I have commenced to print, before starting. 

 Now that I have almost accomplished this work, I wish to 



