8 
great empires, it yet possesses more diversity of populations than 
any of them ; so that hut for the mysterious cord of Helvetic unity, 
its French cantons would he ever fighting against the German, and 
the Italian against both. Wherefore, all the great and good citizens 
of that up and down mountainous land seem ever to have a most 
difficult problem of their own to work at, viz., how to keep up the 
vigour and elasticity, the frictional polish and emulating fervour of 
those several competing nationalities, while inducing them, never- 
theless, to do all peacefully, and voluntarily to contribute each their 
best characteristics, so as to raise the united name of a Swiss 
republican for virtue and education, valour, prudence, and under- 
standing, above that of all collections of men, if possible, ruled in 
any other manner. Wherefore, thus did M. Plantamour proceed on 
attaining to virile growth and privileges. 
From the university of his native city he went to Paris, and 
studied for two years under Arago, that grand specimen of the 
Celtic Gaul ; a man of superb genius, of commanding presence, of 
daring flights into the connection and bearings of hitherto untrod 
branches of physical science ; and with whom occasional researches 
into the curiosities of magnetism, or the uncultivated jungles of 
meteorology, combined with public displays of fervid eloquence — took 
the place of regular observatory work, and was thought everything 
of, almost up to adoration, in the midst of a Latino-Celtic popu- 
lation. 
After highly approving himself and his mountain-born abilities 
among that class of men, descendants of warriors and native chiefs 
of long, long ago, — Emile Plantamour went north to Konigsberg, 
and there, under the grandest soul in all Germany for philosophical 
breadth, instrumental skill, and mathematical power in gravitational 
astronomy — though originally only a grocer’s apprentice, the illus- 
trious Bessel — he learned by what kind of steady work and calm 
devotion in a quiet home the Teutonic mind obtains some of its 
highest triumphs. While thus truly a student studying under 
Bessel, young Plantamour produced, as a thesis, a most creditable 
essay ‘‘On the Determination of the Orbit of a Comet according to 
Gibers’ Method from three Observations.” Next he went into 
Berlin, where, under the celebrated Encke, he learned the still more 
rigid work of meridian astronomy, besides enjoying the improving 
