INVITATION TO PARIS. 551 



researches. You are a corresponding member 

 of the Institute. The emperor would gladly 

 recall to France a savant so distinguished. In 

 his name I offer you the vacant chair, and 

 should congratulate your country on the re- 

 turn of a son who has shown himself capable 

 of such devotion to science. 



Accept the assurance of my highest esteem, 



KOULAND. 



Had it been told to Agassiz when he left 

 Europe that in ten years he should be recalled 

 to fill one of the coveted places at the Jardin 

 des Plantes, the great centre of scientific Hfe 

 and influence in France, he would hardly have 

 beheved himself capable of refusing it. Nor 

 does a man reject what would once have 

 seemed to him a great boon without a certain 

 regret. Such momentary regret he felt per- 

 haps, but not an instant of doubt. His an- 

 swer expressed his gratitude and his pleasure 

 in finding himself so remembered in Europe. 

 He pleaded his work in America as his excuse 

 for declining a position which he nevertheless 

 considered the most brilliant that could be 

 offered to a naturalist. In conclusion he adds : 

 "Permit me to correct an error concerning 

 myself. I am not French, although of French 



