160 



would thus lose the interest which attaches to the 

 observations of the planet only during the first period 

 of observation, and is consequent upon the immediate 

 calculation of the observations. 



I hope that Encke's calculations will obtain, by 

 means of this basis, such an accuracy as will, at the 

 re- appearance of the planet, be proved perfect within a 

 few seconds. 



At last, to conclude, with deepest respect, till death, 

 Your Excellency's most obedient, 



F. W. BESSEL. 



Note ly Humloldt. The last letter but one that I received from 

 that great and noble-minded man. 



CXII. 



VICTOR HUGO TO HUMBOLDT. 



20 mars, 1845. 



Yous avez bien voulu, Monsieur le baron, et illustre 

 confrere, me promettre que vous accepteriez de ma 

 main "Notre-Dame de Paris," et etre assez bon pour 

 vous charger de Tonrir en mon nom a votre auguste 

 Koi, pour lequel vous connaissez ma sympathie et mon 

 admiration. Je joins a " Notre-Darne de Paris'' mon 

 discours si serieux a 1' Academic. Je serais heureux 

 que vous eussiez quelque plaisir a accueillir cette 

 marque de ma haute et profonde consideration. 



Le votre 



VICTOR HUGO. 



