[500] Tuesday, 18.—. . . . I have this day bought four yearling ewes and one yearling ram of the Montarco Merino breed flock, which I have long wished to be interested in. I now own Merinos of the three great travelling flocks of Spain, viz. of the Guadaloup, Paular, and Montarco. I keep them in distinct, separate flocks, that I may know in a few years which flock gives the finest and largest fleece, and keeps in flesh and health with the least trouble. Friday, 21.—. . . . One thing I forgot to recommend to you before you went away; that is, to use technicals in conversation much more freely than you have been in the habit of doing. They form, to all intents and purposes, when properly used, another language, and raise a man, in the estimation of good judges, as far above the common level of literary men, as they are raised above the common level of the vulgar. I don't wish you to use them on all occasions, however trifling; but never talk with a chemist, a botanist, or with philosophers and scientific men, without being able to use them as freely as you are able to use your alphabet. Monday, 24.—. . . . You have now commenced a great undertaking. I hope it has been begun with prudence and deliberation, and that it will terminate without any regret on your part. All you now have to do is, to be honest, to be faithful to yourself, and do justice to your credentials; and then, if you live, you will return with great pleasure and satisfaction to those who have interested themselves in your favor. Yours is no common case. They believe you will do them justice. Travel rather in the manner of a clergymanin the habit and simplicity of a literary, modest gentleman, which will never fail of recommending you wherever you go—than in the style of a man of property, of one at leisure, or of one travelling for pleasure alone, which is not your case. Thursday, 27.—I have just heard Captain Roulstone announce, as he passed our window, this morning, that Bonaparte was in Paris, at the head of 80, 000 men. Pho!! It may be true, but I don't believe it . . . . I begin to be quite reconciled to your absence, in the anticipation of what you will be when you return,—the use and happiness you will be to me, your friends, and your country. A short absence can be of no use to you. You must prepare yourself for a long and useful one; and I am sure this course will make the last part of your life pleasant to you, and honorable to me and yourself. I can look forward and see you, every week, and every month, employed in some part of Europe in acquiring something which will be useful and
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Boston, J. R. Osgood and company, 1876.
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