75 



during his absence, were his first introduction to the pub- 

 lic as a writer, and established his reputation as a careful 

 observer, a close reasoner, and a sound thinker. During 

 his stay in Scotland he enjoyed the closest intimacy with 

 Prof. Johnston, and pursued his studies under his direction 

 at the Laboratory of the Agricultural Chemical Associa- 

 tion. The analyses furnished by him from time to time, 

 show the accuracy of his mind and his superior industry, 

 and his Notes on Prof. Johnston's Lectures are valuable 

 abstracts, forming almost a complete text book of agricul- 

 tural science. All his communications to the Cultivator 

 are of permanent value, and show the condition of ag- 

 ricultural science in Scotland at that time. 



In the fall of 1845, he made a tour on the continent, 

 for the purpose of visiting some of the most celebrated 

 laboratories, and his letters were for a time discontinued. 

 Shortly after, he returned to this country, when he re- 

 ceived an appointment to a professorship of chemistry, 

 as applied to agriculture, which had been created at Yale 

 College. Mr. Norton wished to perfect himself in chem- 

 istry before entering upon his duties as professor, and 

 with this in view he sailed again for Europe in the tall 

 of 1846. Here we notice a prominent characteristic of 

 Prof. Norton. There was nothing of pretension in his 

 nature — he was unwilling to assume a responsibility till 

 he felt himself fully equal to it. Instead of being vain 



