The Agassiz Memorials. 2 79 



constant habit of speaking without notes, he pos- 

 sessed the very highest qualifications. 



However, to meet every contingency, he adds: 



As I go to-morrow to Cambridge, I will try to 

 have my illegible manuscript set in type, that I may 

 myself be able to read it. At the same time I shall 

 see how my diagrams are progressing, and if satis- 

 factory, forward them at once to the Music Hall. 



Very truly yours, 



L. Agassiz." 



On the 13th of September he wrote: 



Dear Sir : — 



I hope I may have a proof of my address for 

 your reporters by the time I reach Boston to-morrow, 

 which I shall hand to you. My diagrams went to 

 the Music Hall Saturday afternoon, with the palm- 

 branch worn on Humboldt's funeral. 



" The pen taken from his desk the day he died, 

 and sent to me, I shall bring myself, fearing it might 

 be lost if left with bulkier objects. 



Very truly yours, 



" L. Agassiz.'' 



Such were some of the preparatory labours con- 

 nected with the address which was to be heard on 

 that Centennial Anniversary by literary and scientific 

 men from every part of the country. Seldom has 

 there been an occasion in the history of New 

 England, which has brought together so brilliant 

 an assemblage of able scholars and prominent men 

 in every department of thought. 



