MEMOIR OF CUVIER. 39 



nera which have been formed by entomologists." 

 In like manner does he acknowledge the parts and 

 interest which his colleagues took in his undertak- 

 ings. 



At this period of the life of this illustrious natu- 

 ralist and statesman, Europe was at peace, France 

 enjoyed a temporary calm, after the distracting events 

 in which she had been for a long series of years en- 

 gaged, and M. Cuvier found leisure to visit England 

 with his family. He had two objects in view; the 

 one, to observe the influence of our constitutional 

 government ; the other, to pursue his favourite study, 

 and to examine the various collections of a scientific 

 or literary nature. He was already too well known 

 not to find easy access to all our institutions and 

 collections ; and he always expressed himself as highly 

 grateful for the attention and facilities which were 

 given to all his pursuits.* Among his scientific 

 friends, he was the frequent guest of Sir Joseph 

 Banks, Dr Leach, Sir Everard Home, and Sir 

 William Herschel. Upon his return to France, new 

 duties awaited him; he was appointed President of 

 the " Comite de 1'Interieur," an office which he 

 continued to hold under every change of ministry; 

 and, as a mark of personal esteem, Louis X\ 7 IJI. 

 created him a Baron. 



Now may be said to be the summit of Cuvier's 

 career. There is often one period of man's life 

 * Mrs. Lee. 



