CAMBRIDGE—A JOURNEY IN BRAZIL 105 
and yet I have a kind of fondness for it, too, just as 
I had for that, because I had worked at it with Agassiz, 
and we have had so much pleasure with it together. 
Only we are both tired now and shall be glad when 
it’s fairly done. 
November 25 
You will be sorry to hear that the news we have been 
expecting, or rather fearing, for several steamers, has 
come. Agassiz’s mother died on the eleventh. The 
letters are lovely about it, remembering him, think- 
ing of him to the last, sending flowers to be placed be- 
fore his picture. But still with everything to comfort 
him, you know this is a terrible parting for Agassiz. 
Not but that he feels as if in a certain sense she were 
nearer to him than ever before, but still they are no 
longer on the same earth together. He works and takes 
refuge in occupation. 
December 17 
Do you remember that we are approaching Christmas? 
What shall we do without you all? Our presents will 
soon be distributed, but I mean to have some games 
for the children and make it as gay as I can for them. 
Our tree is already mounted, and Louis has come to 
pass the week and help Mary Anne, whom I have got 
in for the occasion to gild nuts and dress the tree. I 
mean to take just as little trouble about it as pos- 
sible and be as fresh as I can for the day when it comes. 
It is delightful to have Louis, and the little man is as 
happy and good and busy as he can be. 
