He seemed a hearty, genial nature, excessively devoted to his pursuits, which were those of a naturalist and kept him out of doors from morning till night; and in the house he shewed a particular simplicity both of politeness and kind feeling; in part springing perhaps from his German nature, and in part from the honest truthful acquaintance he was holding with the world of nature at large.

"He acted like a great boy," old Karen said in wondering ridicule, -- "to be bringing in leaves, and sticks, and stones, as he was every night, and making his room such a mess she never saw!" He had soon a marked liking and even marked respect for his young host.

With his usual good-humour Winthrop helped him in his quest; now and then offered to go with him on his expeditions; tracked up the streams of brooks, shewed the paths of the mountains, rowed up the river and down the river; and often and often made his uncommon strength and agility avail for something which the more burly frame of the naturalist could not have attained.

He was always ready; he was never wearied; and Mr.Herder found him an assistant as acute as he was willing.
"You do know your own woods -- better than I do!" -- he remarked one day when Winthrop had helped him out of a botanical difficulty.
"It's only the knowledge of the eye," Winthrop replied, with a profound feeling of the difference.
"But you do seem to love knowledge -- of every kind," said the naturalist, -- "and that is what I like." "I have very little," said Winthrop.

"I ought to love what I can get." "That is goot," said Mr.Herder; -- "that is de right way.