1874.] 213 [Emerson. 



bridge, where two others were found, and to Chelsea, where 

 a fourth, and one that might be a variety, were growing. I 

 pointed out the characteristics of each species in growth, 

 branching, bark, fruit and leaves, and especially in the buds. 

 He listened with the most captivating attention, and ex- 

 pressed surprise at my dwelling upon the peculiarities of the 

 buds. "I have never known the buds to be spoken of as 

 characteristic," said he ; " that is new to me." He admitted 

 the distinct peculiarities of structure in the buds; and, I have 

 no doubt, remembered every word I said, for, a few months 

 afterwards, I saw, in a newspaper, that Mr. Agassiz would 

 give a lecture, in Roxbury, on the buds of trees. 



We drove on to Chelsea Beach, which stretches off sev- 

 eral miles, — apparently without end, — and, as the tide was 

 very low, was then at least a quarter of a mile wide. He was 

 charmed with everything, expressing his pleasure with all the 

 earnestness of a happy child, hardly able to restrain himself 

 in his admiration and delight. He told me that he had never 

 before been on a sea-beach, but that he was familiar with the 

 undulations and wave marks on the old beaches laid open in 

 the Jura Mountains. 



I need not say what a pleasant drive this was. I had long 

 felt great interest in various departments of Natural History, 

 but had been so fully occupied with my own duties, as a 

 teacher, that I had been able to indulge myself fully, and that 

 for a small part of the year, in one only. Here was a com- 

 panion who was intimately acquainted with all, and with the 

 most distinguished men who had been advancing them, and 

 who was ready and happy to communicate, wealth of inform- 

 ation upon every point I could ask about. 



Some days after, I invited all the members of this Society 



