402 LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



beyond the allowance he was to receive from 

 the King of Prussia. Lyell's answer, written 

 by his wife, was very encouraging. 



London, February 28, 1845. 

 . . . My husband thinks your plan of lec- 

 turing a very good one, and sure to succeed, 

 for the Americans are fond of that kind of 

 instruction. We remember your English was 

 pleasant, and if you have been practicing 

 since, you have probably gained facility in ex- 

 pression, and a little foreign accent would be 

 no drawback. You might give your lectures 

 in several cities, but he would like very much 

 if you could give a course at the Lowell Insti- 

 tute at Boston, an establishment which pays 

 very highly. ... In six weeks you might 

 earn enough to pay for a twelve months' tour, 

 besides passing an agreeable time at Boston, 

 where there are several eminent naturalists. 

 ... As my husband is writing to Mr. Low- 

 ell to-morrow upon other matters, he will ask 

 him whether there is any course still open, for 

 he feels sure in that case they would be glad 

 to have you. . . . Mr. Lowell is sole trus- 

 tee of the Institute, and can nominate whom 

 he pleases. It was very richly endowed for 

 the purpose of lectures by a merchant of Bos- 



