LIFE OF JAMES DWIGHT DANA 



serials, and the latest publications of naturalists. In the 

 cabinet of drawers various specimens collected on his 

 journeys were kept for convenient reference. A micro- 

 scope and magnifying glasses were as constantly at hand 

 as his pen and ink. The voluminous mail was promptly 

 dispatched. His correspondents never waited long for 

 answers to their queries. He was not a frequent reader of 

 novels or poetry, but he kept up well with investigations 

 in all departments of science, and with the characteristics 

 and achievements of those who were working in his 

 chosen field. He had the art of turning readily to any 

 memoir or scientific paper that he wished to consult, 

 and a memory which was both comprehensive and trust- 

 worthy. He could invariably seize the significant points 

 in long and complex papers. Although not a remarkable 

 linguist, he was familiar with Greek and Latin, and he 

 could make use of German, French, and Italian, and to 

 a limited extent of Spanish and of Swedish. As a lec- 

 turer he was clear, emphatic, and well prepared, but he 

 was not fond of the platform. Only once was he per- 

 suaded to go upon a lecturing tour. In 1857, ^ e deliv- 

 ered an address before the citizens of New Haven in 

 support of the Sheffield Scientific School, and this was 

 repeated before the Yale Alumni, yet in general he 

 shrank from such appearances in public. 



Out-of-door life was an unfailing pleasure. Gardening 

 suited him. There was a time when skating gave him 

 great enjoyment. During one season horseback-riding 

 became an exhilarating entertainment. With Professor 

 Porter, Professor Fisher, General Russell, and others, 

 the country roads and woody paths were traversed for 

 many miles around New Haven, long before the parks 

 that now open the environs had been projected. The 

 sailboat had no attractions for the returned mariner. 

 Walking was his chief recreation. The hills and valleys 

 of the neighborhood were crossed and recrossed with the 



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