And when I pointed to the dormitory room that I
long ago occupied, he said: "Oh! then I know who you are," and
mentioned my name. "How comes it that you know my name?" I inquired.
He explained that "Pat always pointed out that room to newcomers and
told long stories about the wonders that used to be in it." So long
had the memory of my little inventions survived.
Although I was four years at the University, I did not take the
regular course of studies, but instead picked out what I thought would
be most useful to me, particularly chemistry, which opened a new
world, and mathematics and physics, a little Greek and Latin, botany
and geology. I was far from satisfied with what I had learned, and
should have stayed longer. Anyhow I wandered away on a glorious
botanical and geological excursion, which has lasted nearly fifty
years and is not yet completed, always happy and free, poor and rich,
without thought of a diploma or of making a name, urged on and on
through endless, inspiring, Godful beauty.
From the top of a hill on the north side of Lake Mendota I gained a
last wistful, lingering view of the beautiful University grounds and
buildings where I had spent so many hungry and happy and hopeful days.
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