BARON CUVIER. 319 



audience. " These," said he, " will be the objects 

 of our future investigations, if time, health, and 

 strength, are given to me, to continue and to 

 finish them with you." Those who w ere versed in 

 human destiny, seemed to feel, that his sphere 

 of action was even then placed out of this world, 

 and that he had pronounced his farewell. So 

 near the great and awful tribunal, what other 

 words, what other thoughts than those contained 

 in this lecture, could have so plainly shown 

 the preparation already made for his journey 

 thither? 



I am told that the profound emotion occa- 

 sioned by this last discourse was universal, and 

 that few left the hall without an undefined feel- 

 ing of sadness, and sentiments of reverence, far 

 beyond the power of expression. On the same 

 day, M. Cuvier, as usual, attended a council of 

 administration in the Jardin des Plantes, and 

 bestowed his last cares on that immense esta- 

 blishment, which owes so large a portion of its 

 treasures to his constant and active solicitude, 

 and to his extreme generosity. " By turns pro- 

 tected and protecting, M. Cuvier had there re- 

 sisted the political vicissitudes which changed 

 all but this sacred asylum of men and things. 

 It would seem as if a special grace from Provi- 



