378 LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



side to bring together notes and specimens. 

 I will write to several naturalists in the United 

 States, and tell them that as I am to accom- 

 pany you on your voyage I should be glad to 

 know in advance what they have done in ich- 

 thyology, so that we may be the better pre- 

 pared to profit by our short sojourn in their 

 country. However, I will do nothing before 

 having your directions, which, for the sake of 

 the matter in hand, I should be glad to re- 

 ceive as early as possible. . . . 



The next letter announces a new aspect 

 of the projected journey. In explanation, it 

 should be said that finding Agassiz might 

 be prevented by his poverty from going, the 

 prince had invited him to be his guest for a 

 summer in the United States. 



AGASSIZ TO THE PRINCE OF CANING. 



Neuchatel, January 7, 1845. 



... I have received an excellent piece of 

 news from Humboldt, which I hasten to share 

 with you. I venture to believe that it will 

 please you also. ... I had written to Hum- 

 boldt of our plans, and of your kind offer to 

 take me with you to the United States, tell- 

 ing him at the same time how much I regret- 



