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 \^dll 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 r^est ? 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. 



