174 LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



collections are v^ry incomplete, and the city of 

 Neuchatel is rich enough to expend something 

 in filling the blanks. It has occurred to me, 

 my dear, that this would be an excellent op- 

 portunity for disposing of your alcoholic speci- 

 mens. They form, at present, a capital yield- 

 ing no interest, requiring care, and to be en- 

 joyed only at the cost of endless outlay in glass 

 jars, alcohol, and transportation, to say nothing 

 of the rent of a room in which to keep them. 

 All this, beside attracting many visitors, is too 

 heavy a burden for you, from which you may 

 free yourself by taking advantage of this rare 

 chance. To this end you must have an im- 

 mediate understanding with M. Coulon, lest 

 he should make a choice elsewhere. Your 

 brother, being on the spot, might negotiate 

 for you. . . . Finally, my last topic is Mr. 

 Dinkel. You are very fortunate to have 

 found in your artist such a thoroughly nice 

 fellow ; nevertheless, in view of the expense, 

 you must make it possible to do without him. 

 I see you look at me aghast ; but where a sac- 

 rifice is to be made we must not do it by 

 halves ; we must pull up the tree by the roots. 

 It is a great evil to be spending more than one 

 earns. . . . 



