LIFE AND STUDY IN EUROPE 67 



quite a number of years and then be but a beginner, besides 

 the expense is great. In about 18 months I have spent more 

 than $900.00, and I am a little frightened to think of what 

 I need, or think I need. I don't want to impoverish my good 

 friends who have done so much for me those good friends 

 are more particularly one, familiarly known at Deer River 

 by the title of Uncle Abner. At the same time this is certain, 

 I shall never be a student again, and certainly not in Europe 

 when I once get back to the U. S. It would be a little relief 

 if I had some prospect in view of employment at a safe 

 recompense; then I would borrow some money, but as it is 

 I think I must go home and go to work. I must, however, 

 travel somewhat next spring and summer. That is a costly 

 but invaluable way of learning. I must study French des- 

 perately the next five months and then, with three languages, 

 I can profit by journeying. I can then take the chief countries 

 of Europe slick and clean. Travel is especially important 

 for me if I go into Agricultural Science and Practice, and 

 there is probably the best chance for me. My expenses this 

 winter will be rather high; that is, it is desirable to acquire 

 a good deal and therefore the cost will be a good deal. I 

 must study French with a private teacher and take lessons 

 a long time, not less than 100. Since I don't live in France, 

 I must buy practice. I calculate that in addition to my pres- 

 ent small stock of funds, I shall need $150. 325 gulden to 

 get along till the 1st of April, 5 months. This is just $1.00 

 daily. Of this my living will cost me 135 fl. or $54., rather 

 low, leaving $96. for Laboratory, French, Lectures, Clothes 

 and all other incidental expenses. I say nothing about books, 

 since I have been putting my last remittance pretty well 

 through on that score and feel rather obliged to hold up. 

 Fortunately I do not need to buy many clothes. My present 

 stock is nearly sufficient. This allowance is rather small, 

 even for Munich, but I shall try to stick to it. For next spring 

 and summer, for 4 or 5 months travel, sending home my 

 traps and getting home myself, $600. will be the least 



