THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL. 37 



be taught Natural History in the way in which it is 

 generally taught, by recitations, to give up their in- 

 tention of joining the Anderson School. 



"My plan will further imply the obligation, on the 

 part of all present, of making special collections to 

 carry home and use as a basis for the teaching others, 

 in the same way, I propose to teach myself, with the 

 assistance of many of my scientific friends. 



"My object in adopting this course is, not only to 

 give what I consider to be the best instructions, but 

 also to show how teaching should be conducted by 

 competent teachers. 



"I wish it were possible for me to state at this ear- 

 ly day what the expenses for board are liable to be 

 for the season. As there is no public house upon the 

 Island, everything must be provided for by private 

 arrangement. I can only say that it will be furnished 

 at cost, at the most economic rate; and that no tuition 

 fee is to be charged. 



"The course will probably open in the first days of 

 July. 



"Yours Very Truly, 



L. AGASSIZ. 



"Should you be prevented from attending please 

 inform me early, as there are many who wait anxious- 

 ly to fill vacancies. L. A." 



This was, doubtless, the "questioning circular" be- 

 fore referred to, and, after receiving it, I was in a 

 continual state of nervous excitement. Fears that 

 the School would begin without my receiving further 

 notification of it, of a thousand different things, pos- 

 sessed me; but I occupied the time as fully and as 

 profitably as I was able, and gave old bachelor tea 

 and coffee parties, in my room, daily and nightly, to 

 all my old chums and their friends, as often as 

 they came to call upon me, in prospect of a 

 speedy departure. It was not until nearly a month's 

 time had elapsed, that I heard again from Penikese; 

 but, when I did, it was in the shape of a final circular 



