1874.] 231 [Waterston. 



ander von Humboldt, edited by Professor Karl Bruhns, 

 director of the observatory at Leipzig, the address by Agassiz 

 is referred to, both in the preface, and in the body of the 

 book. In the latter, a lengthy extract is introduced. [See 

 Vol. II, pp. 179, 180 and 181.] 



There were several occasions upon which Alexander von 

 Humboldt extended such attention and kindness to Agassiz, 

 at a time when encouragement was most needed, that it 

 seems but an act of justice and gratitude to recall them here. 

 The first was related by Agassiz some fifteen years ago, at a 

 meeting of the American Academy of Art and Science, soon 

 after Humboldt's death. 



" May I be permitted," he said " to tell a circumstance per- 

 sonal to me ? I was only twenty-four years of age when in 

 Paris, whither I had gone with means given me by a friend, 

 but I was at last about to resign my studies from want of 

 ability to meet my expenses. Professor Mitscherlich was 

 then on a visit in Paris, and I had seen him in the morning, 

 when he had asked me what was the cause of my depressed 

 feelings, and I told him I had to go, for I had nothing left* 

 The next morning as I was seated at breakfast, in front of 

 the yard of the Hotel, where I lived, I saw the servant of 

 Humboldt approach, he handed me a note, saying there was 

 no answer and disappeared. I opened the note, and I see it 

 now as distinctly as if I held the paper in my hand. It said > 



'My Friend: — 



'I hear that you intend leaving Paris in consequence of 

 some embarrassments. This shall not be. I wish you to 

 remain here as long as the object for which you came is not 

 accomplished. I enclose you a check of £50. It is a loan 

 which you may repay when you can.' " 



