Agassiz in Brazil. 



T2I 



say, was imparted to all his colleagues. The labora- 

 tory which he established was the centre of attraction, 

 and when the object of the strangers became known 

 specimens poured in from every quarter. 



The first trip of importance was over the road of 

 the Union and Industry Company from Petropolis 

 to Juiz de Fora. Here Agassiz obtained his first 

 actual view of the wealth of tropical vegetation, 

 which, with the variety of palms, exceeded his great- 

 est expectations. 



At Juiz de Fora he found an ardent ally in a Ger- 

 man engineer, and hardly had the party been there 

 a day before the neighbourhood was being scoured 

 by all the children for specimens. 



This German gentleman had a fine collection of 

 natural objects which greatly interested Agassiz. 

 From him news was received of the great northern 

 victories — the capture of Richmond and Petersburg 

 and the ending of the war. 



Agassiz was particularly desirous of observing the 

 evidences of glacial action in Brazil, which he believed 

 must be present, and while near Tijuca he was grati- 

 fied to find what he considered unmistakable evi- 

 dence of the drift. Although supposed to be resting 

 Agassiz was never quiet. He gave lectures on the 

 steamer all the way to Brazil, and upon his return to 

 Rio from Tijuca he hardly allowed himself a moment 

 of leisure. His mind was entirely absorbed with the 

 new work he had in view. When not actively 

 engaged in collecting or investigating some subject 

 he was caring for his specimens, working from early 

 morning until late into the night. He organised his 



