The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-10-23
RATES OF ADVERTISING.
HUMBOLDT AND AGAssIZ.

The following communication, we presume,
by the signature, from Professor FELTON,, is Of
the deepest interest. We find it in the Boston
Daily Advertiser:
Professor Agassiz may be considered as the
pupil of the illustrious Humboldt, aud bis des-
tined successor in the realm of natural science
For many years, there has been a strong and
atfectionate connection between them and it
we remember right, Agassiz, in early life, was
indebted for kindly and opportune assistance
IN his Investigations to the generosity of his
great friend. On the part of each of these men,
there has always been the most cordial and
thorough appreciation of the merits of the other.
The labors of Agassiz are recognised in the
kosmos of Humboldt, in terms which show the
high estimation placed upon them by the first
of living philosophers; and Agassiz has never
tailed to express the affectionate veneration
which he cherishes for the genius, attainments,
and character, Of the mighty master. The pur.
suits OF Agassiz In this country have been
watched by his venerable friend with unceas-
ing interest and hearty sympathy. Humboldt
is now eighty-seven years old, but his faculties
are still unimpaired, and his labors as zealously
prosecuted as ever. Three years ago, we had
the pleasure of a conversation with this extra
ordinary man. The vivacity of his manner
and the rapidity of his utteranee, betrayed no
tokens of age. The liveliness of his interest
in all that was passing in the world, the rich
ness of his knowledge, and the fine humanity
that breathed in all he said, made the hours
passed IN his societya memorable episode in life.
We have lately read letter written by dis
hngulshed literary gentleman, who knew Hum
boidt many years ago, and has recently renew
ed his intercourse with him. Time, it appears,
has had some effect upon his person but his
IA att hrtvh 4 Il ! L
faster and more richly than he ever did. His
benevolence and desire to serve everybody
seem to increase with his years His attentions
10 MS friends are incessant; he writes notes,
accompanies them to the studios Of artists
polnts out the objects which deserve to be seen,
tells them what to do, ust as John Kenyon
the most genial of men-does to the stranger
In London. be receives about four thousand
letters year, and answers more than half OF
them with his own hand he dimes daily with
the King, sitting from three o'clock till about
six, and sups with him at nine. He holds the
othce OF Chamberlain; and, contrary to the
wishes of the King, performs all its duties in
his turn, standing in the ante.chamber from
SIX to eight hours day, many days in the year.
refusing the indulgence OF chair Tie rises
about seven every morning, looks over his let.
tiers, breakfasts, answers notes, receives visit.
ers-dlnes, as already mentioned. with the
hIng-returns home, and takes 8 short nap,
writes letters until supper, and goes to work
ABOUT hall past ten at night, working on till
three o'clock III the morning, aud sometimes
later, attempting no continuous scientific labor.
except during these hours, when his friends are
asleep. "And this man." adds cur friend.
Will be eighty-seven years old on the 18th of
this present month, september; j and while,
on the one hand, if you were to ask the we'll
dressed people you meet in the streets or On
the railroad, who is the greatest man in Prus-
sia, they would answer unaninOusly-uum-
boldt. verify believe that, on the other hand.
nobody who is in the habit of seeing him will
doubt that his kindness of heart is more re-
markabe than his genius, philosophy and vast
knowledge. 1t is reputation worth having"
Such is the impression this great and good
man makes on intelligent travellers.
We have given the above little sketch by
way OF introduction to an extract from a letter
OF his to Professor Agassiz, which. at the ex-
press desire OF Humboldt, we translate and
publish. 1t is on subject os general scientific
interest; and as the time for the publication
of the first volume of the great work of Agas-
BIZ draws near, it will not be uuinterestiny 10
the subscribers and to the public, to know the
feelings with which so illustrious a philosopher
regards it. The extract ia az follows. 1t ia
!,
"The visit of our distinguished and excellent
friend Mr.. George Ticknor. to this CITY. where
he resided in his youth, and where he left so
many honorable membranes, has made.
known to me fact, which has greatly troubled
me. L learn that by an unfortunate occurrence
OF circumstances, undoubtedly accidental, you,
my dear Agassis, have never received the letter
OF mine, which expressed very strongly the iov
l have shared with all the sincere lovers of
science, on the subject Of your beautiful and
important enterprise, the Contributions to the
Natural History of the United States
Doubtless you must have been surprised by
my long silence, considering the ties of init
mato affection which have bound us together
since your hrst residence in Paris, as we'll as
the high admiration l have never ceased to
entertain for the great and solid labors, for
which we are indebted TO your sagacious genius
and your Incompatible intellectual energy. In
terested, ike you, in the progress made in that
part OF the world, where the cultivation Of the,
sciences is making such rapid strides, approve,
above all the generality of conceptions, where
is the basis of the plan you have traced out.
L admire that long series of physiological in
vestigations, commencing with the embryology
of organisms, called simple and inferior, and
ascending by degrees to the organisms whicl.
arc more complicated. | admire that constant
ATTENTION 10 the comparison OF the types belong
ing to the present condition Of our planet, and
the types found only in a fossil state, and which
abound In the immense area between the shores
opposite to Europe and Northern Asia.
The generous interest displayed in the Cni-
ted States, when your vast enterprise was an
nouneed, my excellent friend has given "A very
proof of the ever-iucreasing intellect
ual interest, and of the honorable confidence
manifested for talent and a noble character. 4
am charged by the King, who feels the impor
tanee OF your former labors, and retains tor
you the aiiectionate esteem which he showed
for you, personally, when he saw you among
your collections, to place bis name at the head
OF the list of your numerous subscribers. he
hopes thai an excursion across the Atlantic
Paitey MAY some day conduct you, who have
boldly scaled the lofty SUBMITS of the Alps, to
the Historic hlI of Sans Soucj. l have it much
at heart that you should allow an extract of
this not very legible letter to be published,
since 1t contains the sincere proof of the lively
with which have welcomed your
great and useful enterprise" +.
RUSSIAN DECLARATION OF POLICY.