100 LOUIS AGASSIZ, 



peror of Russia has promised help and an es- 

 cort at all times and under all circumstances. 

 The second expedition is to a country quite 

 as salubrious, and which presents no dangers 

 whatever for travelers, — South America. It 

 will be under the direction of M. Ackermann, 

 known as a distinguished agriculturist and as 

 Councillor of State to the Grand Duke of 

 Baden. I should prefer to go with Humboldt ; 

 but if I am too late, I feel very sure of being 

 able to join the second expedition. So it de- 

 pends, you see, only on your consent. This 

 journey is to last two years, at the end of 

 which time, happily at home once more, I can 

 follow with all desirable facilities the career I 

 have chosen. If there should be a place for 

 me at Lausanne, which I should prefer to any 

 other locality, I could devote my life to teach- 

 ing my young countrymen, awaken in them 

 the taste for science and observation so much 

 neglected among us, and thus be more useful 

 to my canton than I could be as a practitioner. 

 These projects may not succeed ; but in the 

 present state of things all the probabilities are 

 favorable. Therefore, I beg you to consider 

 it seriously, to consult my uncle in Lausanne, 

 and to write me at once what you think. . . . 



In spite of the earnest desire for travel 



