Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-06-21
AgasSiz's Expedition.

Correspondence of the New Yors Herald.
LIMA, May 81, 1872
On the ID inst, the United States surveying
steamer Hassler anchored in the bay of Callao
On board are party OF distinguished Swans
presided over by Prof. Louis Agassiz. This is
now the sensation OF the hour. Your correspond
ent although he considered himself well ac-
quainted with Peruvian character must express
his astonishment at the enthusiasm and admira-
ton manifested towards the distinguished guest
The leading newspapers are eloquent in his
praise. Many of the most prominent men of
Lima have signifed desire TO do him honor;
but the retired habits Of the professor and his
vast labor render it impossible for him to re-
spond to these marks of distinction. The Hass-
Ter has the honor of his society, and his admir-
erS on shore are fearful of disturbing his priya-
cy. Nevertheless, some Of the more determined
ventured to visit him-amOng them your CORE
spondent-and the gentle, genial manners of the
professor inspired as much regard as the rever-
ence excited by his profound attanments
In the course of conversation DIR. Agassiz re-
marked that the results of the voyage SO far had
tareXceeded his most Sanguine expectations The
various and valuable specimens he had succeed
ed in collecting would, he was confident, form a
museum of which the county might be proud;
and the different obSeryations-gcolooic geo
graphic aud in other particularly he had
made, would prove to be of more than general
interest In a word the professor congratulates
success. When we take into consideration the
well known modestY of the man, our own i'm
pressions concerning the benefits to be derived
from the laborS he has so valianty undertaken
cannot be exaggerated. The Hassler is a study
of herself. Accustomed to the grim severity of
the ships bearing the American flag that honQrS
the waters OF Peru, the appearance of her decks
cause the most extreme astonishment and sur
prise,
Great packing cases, containing specimens of
almost everything that flies, walks or Swims in
their ATTITUDES are piled up together amdships.
Aft an intelligent looking man was discovered
in most extraordinary position. Seated on
camp stool, with color hoX before him, o live
fish In one hand and eamels hair pencil in the
other, this individual was husily engaged in de
pctng the fading hues Of the peicry on paper
before coaSignug the unfortunate animal to the
spirit bottle, A complete Photographic appara-
tus stood close by, ready for use on the appear
ance OF any peculiar phenomenon or striking
landscape, quantities of scientific works and
unheard OF instruments, the use of which your
correspondent was ditfident to inquire, covered
the matches; coils upon coils of sounding lines
Uttered the decks, and even the faces of the
scanty crew seemed to possess degree of wis
dom seldom found in men of their class. The
example was certainly contagious. 1t appeared
that Captain Wagge, with his manufactured
science, would have been valuable companion
Tor your correspondent, AS it was, he was
obliged to listen aud regard with wonder and
admiration. Descending into the cosy little
cabin, the professor looked up cordially from
his writing and welcomed his visitors with such
| grace that the feelings excited by tho appear.
| alce OF the deck were speedily removed.
Mr.. AgaSSiz was especially emphatic when
speaking of the invaluable assistance afforded
him by his associate laborers. Indeed, he went
so far as TO remark that the object of the expe.
dition would be as perfectly accomplished by
them even without his cooperation
MIR Henry MpiUus Rub
verbal, on learning Of the professors arrival,
sent q special messenger on board begging
Agassiz and his estimable lady to visit him.
The professor consented to accept the offer, but
for an untortun atey short period, as the Hass.
Ter will probably leave for Panama about the Isl
a lima ''' ~ '' 4's