Humboldt's Letters. 1 59 



on the events with which men are mostly pre-occupied. 

 The only news that could at present cure me of my 

 spleen, would be that you were coming to Paris. Why 

 have I not found a single word of hope in your letter 

 even for a distant future ? 



The scientific world here is in a dead calm. Every- 

 thing has a desponding look. I am going to-morrow to 

 England with Mr. Pentland. Shall I come back with 

 more comforting notions ? 



Our observatory is elegant, and very commodious. 

 The Ministry decided that a director must be appointed, 

 and I was chosen unanimously. I have under my orders 

 four or five youths, who have the title of assistants, and 

 a salary of 2,000 francs. Under this arrangement, we 

 shall try to achieve something out of the beaten track. 



Adieu, my dear and excellent friend. Mathieu, who 

 has not yet entirely recovered from a severe disease in 

 his eyes, charges me, as does his wfe also, to recom- 

 mend him to your remembrance. 



Always yours through life, 



ABAGO. 



