174 LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



collections are very incomplete, and the city of 

 Neuchatel is rich enough to expend something 

 in filling the blanks. It has occurred to me, 

 my dear, that this would be an excellent op- 

 portunity for disposing of your alcoholic speci- 

 mens. They form, at present, a capital yield- 

 ing no interest, requiring care, and to be en- 

 joyed only at the cost of endless outlay in glass 

 jars, alcohol, and transportation, to say nothing 

 of the rent of a room in which to keep them. 

 All this, beside attracting many visitors, is too 

 heavy a burden for you, from which you may 

 free yourself by taking advantage of this rare 

 chance. To this end you must have an im- 

 mediate understanding with M, Coulon, lest 

 he should make a choice elsewhere. Your 

 brother, being on the spot, might negotiate 

 for you. . . . Finally, my last topic is Mr. 

 Dinkel. You are very fortunate to have 

 found in your artist such a thoroughly nice 

 fellow ; nevertheless, in view of the expense, 

 you must make it possible to do without him. 

 I see you look at me aghast ; but where a sac- 

 rifice is to be made we must not do it by 

 halves; we must pull up the tree by the roots. 

 It is a great evil to be spending more than one 

 earns. 



