194 LOUIS AGASS1Z. 



gladly would I have consulted you about vari- 

 ous propositions made to me here in the last 

 few days, and have submitted my course to 

 your approval, had it not been that here, as in 

 Neuchatel, a prompt answer was urged. Al- 

 though guided rather by instinct than by any- 

 thing else, I think, nevertheless, that I have 

 chosen rightly. In such moments, when one 

 cannot see far enough in advance to form an 

 accurate judgment upon deliberation, feeling 

 is, after all, the best adviser ; that inner im- 

 pulse, which is a safe guide if other consid- 

 erations do not confuse the judgment. This 

 says to me, " Go to Neuchatel ; do not stay 

 in Paris." But I speak in riddles; I must 

 explain myself more clearly. Last Monday 

 Levrault sent for me in order to propose that 

 Valenciennes and I should jointly undertake 

 the publication of the Cuvierian fishes. ... I 

 was to give a positive answer this week. I 

 have carefully considered it, and have decided 

 that an unconditional engagement would lead 

 me away from my nearest aim, and from what 

 I look upon as the task of my life. The al- 

 ready published volumes of the System of 

 Ichthyology lie too far from the road on which 

 I intend to pursue my researches. Finally, 

 it seems to me that in a quiet retired place 



