192 LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



support in general, is beyond my means. I 

 must find some way of relieving myself from 

 this burden, although it will be hard to part 

 with these companions of my study, upon 

 which I have based almost all my investiga- 

 tions. I have spoken of this also to M. de 

 Humboldt, who is good enough to show an 

 interest in the matter, and will even take all 

 necessary steps with the government to facili- 

 tate this purchase. You would render me the 

 greatest service by giving me your directions 

 about all this, and especially by telling me : 

 1. On whom the nomination to the professor- 

 ship depends? 2. With whom the purchase 

 of the collection would rest ? 3. What you 

 think I should do with reference to both ? Of 

 course you will easily understand that I can- 

 not give up my collections except under the 

 condition that I should be allowed the free use 

 of them. . . . 



The answer was not only courteous, but 

 kind, although some time elapsed before the 

 final arrangements were made. Meanwhile 

 the following letter shows us the doubts and 

 temptations which for a moment embarrassed 

 Agassiz in his decision. The death of Cuvier 

 had intervened. 



