126 SKETCH OP THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS 



tion of Asia ; circumstances wilicli we cannot 

 here discuss, caused the abandonment of this 

 plan. 



Towards the close of the year 1818, Hum- 

 boldt left Paris. In that year he experienced the 

 painful separation from his friend Bonpland 

 a separation for ever in this world. The fate of 

 this eminent naturalist -the faithful companion 

 and participator in Humboldt's perilous explo- 

 ration of America awakens a lively sympathy. 

 It appears that soon after his return, with Hum- 

 boldt, from America, his amiable disposition 

 made him a general favourite in Paris. The 

 Empress Josephine being passionately fond of 

 flowers, Napoleon appointed Bonpland with 

 whom he had become acquainted Director of 

 the Gardens of Malmaison, which contained 

 already a splendid collection of exotic plants. 

 After the downfall of the Empire, he left France, 

 and proceeded, as Professor of Natural Philo- 

 sophy, to Buenos Ayres. 



For a long time nothing was heard of Bon- 

 pland, until at last the news of his sad mis- 

 fortune reached Europe, and came thus to the 

 knowledge of his friend Humboldt. Bonpland 

 had originated an Indian colony in the interior 

 of Paraguay at St. Anna, on the eastern 

 shores of the river Parana; and visiting this 



