110 LOUIS AGASSIZ 



all Agassiz's work, much consideration 

 was paid to the intelligent but unlearned 

 public. Specimens were so put into 

 different cases and rooms that the whole 

 system of group and sub-group could be 

 followed by a novice and verified by the 

 help of a synopsis printed on the walls. 

 A geographical classification of animals 

 was carried out in another part of the 

 building, where the characteristic fauna 

 of each region was exhibited This feat- 

 ure was particularly emphasised ; for 

 Agassiz believed that the distribution 

 and range of animals would furnish data 

 for determining in how many various 

 centres a species had originated. He 

 found the distinct geographical limit 

 of wild species very surprising. "I 

 think/' he said once^. with his taking 

 French accent, "that they had their 

 legs only if they should not run away ! " 

 The vulgar idea of a museum as merely 

 a place for the storage of curiosities was 

 contradicted in every room. A rare 



