1874.] 215 [Emerson. 



or among the aspirants for power, or the possessors of wealth, 

 in the New, could produce such deep-felt regret? 



He is gone. We shall see his benignant face and hear his 

 winning voice no more ; but we have before us his example, 

 and his works. Let us dwell, for a few moments, on some 

 features in his life and character, as an inspiration and a guide, 

 especially to those who mean to devote their leisure, or their 

 life, to Natural History, or to the great work of teaching ! 

 What a change has taken place, in the whole civilized world, 

 and especially in this country, in men's estimation of the value 

 and interest of these pursuits, since he began his studies. 

 To whom is that change more due than to Agassiz ? 



He was endowed by nature with extraordinary gifts. His 

 fascinating eye, his genial smile, his kindliness and ready 

 sympathy, his generous earnestness, his simplicity and ab- 

 sence of pretention, his transparent sincerity ; — these account 

 for his natural eloquence and persuasiveness of speech, his 

 influence as a man, and his attraction and power as a teacher. 

 For the development and perfecting of many of his highest 

 and most estimable qualities of mind and character, Mr. 

 Agassiz was doubtless indebted to his noble mother, who, 

 judging from every thing we can learn, was a very rare 

 and remarkable woman. To the quiet, homely, household 

 duties, for which the Swiss women are distinguished, she 

 added, unconsciously, very uncommon mental endowments, 

 which she wisely cultivated by extensive reading of the best 

 authors, and by conversation with the most intelligent persons. 



Trained by such a mother, Agassiz grew up in the belief 

 of a Creator, an infinite and all-wise Intelligence, Author 

 and Governor of all things. He was sincerely and humbly 

 religious. During his whole life, while exploring every secret 



