LIFE AND STUDY IN EUROPE 67 



quite a number of years and then be but a beginner, besides 

 the expense is great. In about 18 months I have spent more 

 than $900.00, and I am a little frightened to think of what 

 I need, or think I need. I don't want to impoverish my good 

 friends who have done so much for me — those good friends 

 are more particularly 07ie, familiarly known at Deer River 

 by the title of Uncle Abner. At the same time this is certain, 

 I shall never be a student again, and certainly not in Europe 

 when I once get back to the U. S. It would be a little relief 

 if I had some prospect in view of employment at a safe 

 recompense ; then I would borrow some money, but as it is 

 I think I must go home and go to work. I must, however, 

 travel somewhat next spring and summer. That is a costly 

 but invaluable way of learning. I must study French des- 

 perately the next five months and then, with three languages, 

 I can profit by journeying. I can then take the chief countries 

 of Europe slick and clean. Travel is especially important 

 for me if I go into Agricultural Science and Practice, and 

 there is probably the best chance for me. My expenses this 

 winter will be rather high; that is, it is desirable to acquire 

 a good deal and therefore the cost will be a good deal. I 

 must study French with a private teacher and take lessons 

 a long time, not less than 100. Since I don't live in France, 

 I must buy practice. I calculate that in addition to my pres- 

 ent small stock of funds, I shall need $150. — 325 gulden — to 

 get along till the 1st of April, 5 months. This is just $1.00 

 daily. Of this my living will cost me 135 fl. or $54., rather 

 low, leaving $96. for Laboratory, French, Lectures, Clothes 

 and all other incidental expenses. I say nothing about books, 

 since I have been putting my last remittance pretty well 

 through on that score and feel rather obliged to hold up. 

 Fortunately I do not need to buy many clothes. My present 

 stock is nearly sufficient. This allowance is rather small, 

 even for Munich, but I shall try to stick to it. For next spring 

 and summer, for 4 or 5 months travel, sending home my 

 traps and getting home myself, $600. will be the least 



