64 PENIKESE. 



uals originate we cannot speculate upon the origin of 

 species. With a power of noo diameters we see, in 

 these minute eggs, small dark spots in the stroma. 

 We know nothing of the properties of these bodies. 

 All we can tell is that dots of all sizes may be seen, 

 hence we conclude that the dots grow. In the larger 

 dots we notice a difference between the periphery and 

 the center, the latter being less dense. Next we see 

 a central condensation. Later a mere hollow until 

 we get a perfect nucleus. Finally, one or several 

 germinal dots, and we have the so-called ovarian 

 egg of the embryologists with which they begin their 

 investigations." 



Well do I remember how often Professor Agassiz 

 urged us to "read only the best books." He seemed 

 especially fond of Cuvier's works, and time and again 

 impressed it upon us that they were a "most valuable 

 basis for scientific study." Among his odd table- 

 talks for he often talked to us from the breakfast, 

 the dinner, and thetea table and even many other 

 times, in the laboratory, and anywhere where that he 

 could find an object to talk about and a group, of two 

 or three, even, to talk to. "Be sure" he would say, "to 

 examine all protozoa which you may secure, to see 

 whether they are independent individuals or different 

 stages of the same individual." In urging a study of 

 Physical Geography, he would add, "for a knowledge 

 of Physical Geography is indispensible to any student 

 of Natural History." He heartily indorsed Professor 

 Guyot's works upon that subject. There were few 

 books he did recommend to us, for he cordially de- 

 tested the ordinary books upon scientific subjects. 

 At one time, in a paroxysm of rage at these "would- 

 be scientists," he exclaimed: "they are mere compil- 

 ations of persons unfamiliar with science, who mix 

 the false and the true:" Alas, shall we ever again 

 meet with his equal, as teacher and pupil and brother 

 combined! 



To one unacquainted with Professor Agassiz, the 

 scenes at Penikese, during the second term of her 



