394 John Bachman. 



monkeys, collected from all quarters of the earth. 

 Here these philosophers amused themselves until 

 the dinner hour, and for a time the sciences were 

 all forgotten in the hilarity of the occasion. 

 I noticed that Humboldt exerted himself to be 

 as gay and happy as any in that most interesting 

 group. 



The dinner hour arrived, men who wish to ren- 

 der their time in Paris agreeable, usually arranged 

 to dine together at some of the tables-d'hotes, where 

 old associations are renewed, and where they can 

 enjoy, uninterrupted, the most entertaining and 

 delightful conversations. On these occasions I 

 usually met Humboldt. There he was the pleasant 

 and instructive companion, and we all conceived it 

 to be not only a great privilege but a high honor 

 thus to associate with him. 



At the meetings of the Academy of Sciences he 

 preferred being a listener. Occasionally, for the 

 purpose of eliciting an opinion, a question was put 

 to him, which he would answer in a few brief words, 

 and then resume his seat. 



At night, to the various parties that were given in 

 Paris, Humboldt was always invited, and it appear- 

 ed that he never declined the invitations. Ladies 

 of the highest rank were not satisfied without an 

 introduction, and they always spoke of the occasion 

 as one of the greatest honors that had ever been 

 conferred upon them. 



I would, just here, remark that Humboldt was, 

 in figure, of the medium size, his forehead broad 

 and high, his hands and feet delicately formed, his 

 locks, in the latter part of his life, of silvery white- 

 ness. His eyes were blue, and full of expression. 

 Thirty years ago his features appeared undimmed 

 by age, and whilst enjoying his conversation, in 

 which there was wit and tenderness, you lost for a 



