Page:Thoreau - His Home, Friends and Books (1902).djvu/317

Rh towards Thoreau. The latter, with the responsiveness of a true scholar, exchanged his specimens of fishes,—pouts, minnow, dace,—for certain detailed questions which he calls with apology,—"impertinent and unscientific," regarding the color, shape, etc., of other fish. He showed wide familiarity with authorities on piscatorial matters. Mr. Cabot emphasized the delight which Agassiz took in the fresh, varied specimens sent by Thoreau. Agassiz visited Concord later and enjoyed long talks with Thoreau, for whom he always had deep regard. The residence of this great scientist in Boston had a marked effect upon education in America. The awakening of interest in sciences at Harvard was fully appreciated by Thoreau who wrote to Emerson in 1847, of the new prospecti of study and rejoiced that the college was at last ready to arouse itself and "overtake the age."

Despite his interest in sciences and his services to prominent analysts, Thoreau was never fully in accord with their methods. In his journal for March 5, 1853, he acknowledges a circular from the Society for the Advancement of Science, inquiring as to his special branch. With over-sensitiveness he says that he is unwilling to "be made their laughing-stock," nor will he consent to any restricted classification. He adds,—"The fact is I am a