scholars in the institution, and during his course took several prizes in Latin and Greek composition.  Unusual abilities as a poet were also manifested very early, and when but twelve years old he wrote a poem in blank verse, which attracted the attention of the late Chief Justice Woodbury, then Governor of New Hampshire, who was so much surprised and gratified to find such talent in so young a boy, that he earnestly advised him to endeavor to complete his studies at Harvard University.  This, indeed, was the chief desire of the boy, but a collegiate education required means which he could not command, and he was forced to go out into the world to seek his fortune.  Having secured a good elementary education, however, he was resolved that he would not abandon his efforts to acquire knowledge.  All his leisure time, after going to Boston to live, was devoted to reading and study.  While neglecting no duty in his business, he gave the hours which most boys devote to amusement to severe mental labor.  Young as he was, he was ambitious.

He knew that knowledge was power, especially in the community in which he lived, and he was resolved that this power should be his.  The result is plainly seen in his subsequent career.  Although deprived of the advantages of a collegiate course, Mr. Fields has more than made up that deficiency by his faithful labors, and there are few men in New England to-day possessed of more varied and extensive mental accomplishments than he.  Upon going to Boston he promptly identified himself with the Mercantile Library Association of that place, availing himself of its advantages, and exerting all the influence of which he was possessed to insure its success.  When but eighteen years old, he was chosen to deliver an anniversary poem before the association.  The value of the compliment will be better appreciated by the reader when it is stated that the oration upon that occasion was pronounced by Edward Everett.  His industry in his business duties was great.  He entered the house of Carter & Bendee with the determination to rise in it.  He worked faithfully, and was the first at his post in the morning, and the last to leave it at night.  When the style of the firm was changed to Allen & Ticknor, he was promoted to a more important place.  He proved himself from the first one of the most valuable and trustworthy assistants in the house, and his merits were promptly recognized.  From the lowest place in the house, he worked his way up steadily until he became the manager of the establishment.  Each promotion brought with it an increase of salary.  Knowing well that “a penny saved at present is a pound gained in future” to a young man striving to rise in the world, he practiced the most conscientious economy.  He made himself thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the publishing trade; and although, of late years, he has had the supervision more especially of the literary department of his large business, there are few publishers in this country more intimate with the business and mechanical branches of their trade.