CHAPTER XX 



FIELD WORK 



1873-1879 



WHILE he was in England, Mr. Shaler's friends at home sug- 

 gested to the Governor of Kentucky that he be invited to take 

 charge of the Kentucky Geological Survey, which was about to 

 be set on foot again after some years of interruption. Among 

 the many other letters sent in his behalf the two given below 

 show in what esteem he was held by those competent to judge 

 of his qualifications. 



CAMBRIDGE, MASS., April 22d, 1873. 



To His EXCELLENCY PRESTON H. LESLIE, Governor of Kentucky. 



Dear Sir: I am so thoroughly convinced that it would be a good fortune 

 for your state to secure the services of Professor N. S. Shaler as Geologist 

 to direct your survey, that though he is absent and I know nothing of his 

 intentions I take the liberty of calling your attention to his eminent abilities 

 and perfect qualifications for such work. 



I have known Mr. Shaler from the time he first began to study the natural 

 and physical sciences. He has been my pupil and afterwards my assistant 

 for about ten years, and more recently my fellow professor in our Scientific 

 School in Harvard University. He is not only a thorough student and a 

 skilful practical observer, but his ready perception of the relations of facts 

 eminently qualifies him to direct an extensive geological survey ; and your 

 state is so constituted geologically as to require the fullest preparation and the 

 best ability in the man who shall explore it successfully. 



With great regard, very respectfully yours, L. AGASSIZ. 



CAMBRIDGE, MASS., June 30, 1873. 

 To His EXCELLENCY PRESTON H. LESLIE, Governor of Kentucky. 



Dear Sir: Since the receipt of your letter [asking for the assistance of 

 the Coast Survey] of the 16th instant, I have daily expected the return of 

 Professor Shaler from Europe, but cannot longer forego the pleasure of ex- 



