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atmosphere you have thus established about you. The approaching completion of the fossil fishes delivers me also from the fear that a too great ardor might cause you irreparable losses.
You have shown not only what a talent like yours can accomplish, but also how a noble courage can triumph over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
In what words shall I tell you how greatly our admiration is increased by this new work of yours on the Fresh-Water Fishes?
Nothing has appeared more admirable, more perfect in drawing and color.
This chromatic lithography resembles nothing we have had thus far. What taste has directed the publication!
Then the short descriptions accompanying each plate add singularly to the charm and the enjoyment of this kind of study.
Accept my warm thanks, my dear friend.
I not only delivered your letter and the copy with it to the king, but I added a short note on the merit of such an undertaking.
The counselor of the Royal Cabinet writes me officially that the king has ordered the same number of copies of the Fresh-Water Fishes as of the Fossil Fishes; that is to say, ten copies.
M. de Werther has already received the order.
This is, to be sure, but a slight help; still,
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Houghton, Mifflin and company, New York, Boston, 1885.
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