color, and his full
beard rather lighter and more glowing in tint. The eyes of men of
genius are seldom to be classified in ordinary terms, though it is
said their prevailing color is gray. . . . Lowell's eyes in repose
have clear blue and gray tones, with minute, dark mottlings. In
expression they are strongly indicative of his moods. When fixed
upon study, or while listening to serious discourse, they are grave
and penetrating; in ordinary conversation they are bright and
cheery; in moments of excitement they have a wonderful lustre.
Nothing could be finer than his facial expression while telling a
story or tossing a repartee. The features are alive with
intelligence; and eyes, looks, and voice appear to be working up
dazzling effects in concert, like the finished artists of the
Comedie Francaise."

As a conversationalist Mr. Lowell is unrivalled. His wit is apparently
inexhaustible, and irradiates his whole conversation, as it does all his
writing except his serious poetry. His "Fireside Travels" was pronounced
by Bryant the wittiest book ever written; and it is not more witty than
much of his conversation. The brilliancy of his conversation and the
charm of his manners unite to make him one of the most fascinating
companions in the world; and this charm is felt by all who come in
contact with the man, and is not a thing reserved for his more favored
companions. One who has witnessed an encounter of wit between Lowell and
Dr. Holmes has witnessed one of the finest exhibitions of mental
pyrotechnics of the day. His reading has been wide and varied, and he
has all his resources at command. His observation of men and things has
also been keen, and every variety of anecdote and illustration come
forth from apparently inexhaustible sources as the needs of the moment
demand. His love of Nature and his observation of all her finer moods
make him a most delightful out-of-doors companion. In the beautiful
environs of Cambridge he used to take those long walks which furnished
him with such a fund of accurate observation of the sights and sounds of
the natural world. No man has a keener eye for a bird than he, nor a
quicker ear to distinguish between their songs; and no unusual sound of
insect life escapes his scrutiny,--he is keenly alert to know what is
going on under his feet as well as over his head. The most modest flower
does not escape his eye, nor any pecu