APPENDIX. | 131 
doing, in an able manner, in the department of natural his- 
tory, what the Massachusetts Teacher is aiming at in the 
general field of school instruction. Moreover, it can fairly 
be said that the volumes of the AMERICAN NATURALIST thus 
far published would afford to teachers most desirable in- 
formation in their preparation for the new task. 
Wishing you ever so much success in the furtherance of 
your enterprise, 
I remain, very truly yours, 
L. AGASSIZ. 
[Letter from Professor Gray. | 
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 7, 1871. 
Dear Mr. Putnam: —It unfortunately happens that I 
have a lecture on Thursday at 11 o’clock, which I cannot 
postpone, and which will prevent my going in to meet your 
committee. I wish you would say, in my behalf, that 
I think your application one eminently fit to be made, and I 
hope it may prevail. As you know very well, I have fol- 
lowed your journal with interest and attention, and I must 
say that you have achieved a great and rare success in 
making the American NaruratisT at once truly scientific 
and truly popular, and I have good occasion to know that 
this is.a thing not often done. Yet in an educational view 
this is all important. Then your typography and illustra- 
_ tions are first rate and you deserve encouragement for that. 
I know that while your journal does efficient service at 
home, and aims simply at that, it is very highly thought of 
in Europe, as well it may be. 
If there should be a second hearing, and you think I 
could be of any use, I should like to say what I think of it 
to your committee. 
I can write only this hurried line. 
Believe me to be yours, most sincerely, 
Asa GRAY 
