In 1894, went to Montana and for five years taught in rural schools to defray expenses while studying geology and making valuable collection of fossils. In the spring of 1899 he studied for a short time in the University of Montana, receiving the degree of Master of Science. In 1900 he taught geology and physical geography in the University of Montana, the next summer conducted a fossil collecting expedition. In the autumn he resigned his position, accepting a fellowship in the Princeton University. This he held for two years studying geology, palaeontology and osteology under Prof. W. B. Scott