Francis Parkman 255 



posed aberration declared itself; adding, with a 

 somewhat humorous look, that his researches had 

 not been rewarded with the smallest success." 



Soon after his marriage Mr. Parkman became 

 possessor of a small estate of three acres or so in 

 Jamaica Plain, on the steep shore of the beautiful 

 pond. It was a charming place, thoroughly Eng- 

 lish in its homelike simplicity and refined com- 

 fort. The house stood near the entrance, and on 

 not far from the same level as the roadway ; but 

 from the side and rear the ground fell off rapidly, 

 so that it was quite a sharp descent to the pretty 

 little wharf or dock, where one might sit and gaze* 

 on the placid, dreamy water. It is with that 

 lovely home that Parkman is chiefly associated 

 in my mind. Twenty years ago, while I was act- 

 ing as librarian at Harvard University, he was a 

 member of the corporation, and I had frequent oc- 

 casion to consult with him on matters of business. 

 At such times I would drive over from Cambridge 

 or take a street car to Jamaica Plain, sure of a 

 cordial greeting and a pleasant chat, in which 

 business always received its full measure of jus- 

 tice, and was then thrust aside for more inspiring 

 themes. The memory of one day in particular 

 will go with me through life, an enchanted day 

 in the season of apple blossoms, when I went in 



