Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 30.djvu/860

836 land brought him to the New World, where be became the leading mind in zoölogy, as Guyot was in physical geography, and Lesquereux in paleontological botany. The two former, full of years and rich in truths bequeathed to science, have passed away; while the latter, bearing lightly his fourscore years, still works actively in bryological and paleontological studies at his home in Columbus, Ohio.

It was a bright morning in early June when the writer called at the house of Dr. Lesquereux. A few moments of waiting in the parlor were followed by the entrance of a middle-sized man with dark eyes that flashed with mirthfulness when he spoke, and a step so brisk, and hair and beard so free from time-strokes, that the long-cherished patriarchal vision of the botanist's appearance vanished.

"I am happy to make your acquaintance," said the colleague of Agassiz and Guyot, in English, melodious with the accent of France. "My son told me you were coming to see me," he continued, shaking my hand cordially. "Do you speak French? No? So, so. With my bad English and bad hearing"—he smiled, and pressed those ears that had been dead to sound for more than half a century—"I fear we can not carry on a satisfactory conversation," he said, as we drew our chairs to the open window. Then, with glowing eyes and a winning smile on his kindly old face, in response to written queries he modestly told the story of his life.

was born at Fleurier, Neufchâtel, November 18, 1806. His immediate ancestors were French Huguenots. His father was a manufacturer of watch-springs, and, as was the custom of the country, wished his son to follow the same trade. The future botanist's health being delicate, however, his mother desired him to study for the ministry. But the grandeur of his mountain home had already sunk deep into the impressible soul of the youth, and circumstances sealed his preference for another pursuit. Under royal patronage the Academy of Neufchâtel enjoyed special advantages. When the young Swiss crossed its threshold he met in the enthusiastic Guyot a congenial companion. "Guyot and I," said Lesquereux, "were for some years brothers in study, working in common, and often spending our vacations together, either at Guyot's home at Hauterieve or with my parents at Fleurier, and I owe much in life to the good influence of this friendship." When Lesquereux had completed the Academy course he went to Weimar to perfect himself in the German language, preparatory to entering the university at Berlin. To defray his expenses here, be taught French in a young ladies' academy. "They were the happiest days of my life," he said. "My pupils were from the noble families of Weimar. They were well educated, and came to me for conversation. I remained at Weimar for some time. Then love came, and I went back to Switzerland, and I never regretted it."

It was at Weimar that the botanist met the young woman who became his wife. She was of humble fortune but of noble family, and