banqnet in the Hotel du Louvre. His reply shews that he is a man of great good sense, as well as an enthusiastic astronomer:—" I beg to express my most grateful acknowledgment for the flattering invitation which you have sent to me. I am far from beingworthy of such a testimony. I am not a savant, as you appear to believe. The honourable offer of a banquet, which you have made me, does not accord with the habits of my simple and retired life; besides, I have received similar offers from our brethren of Chartres and Blois, which I have declined. The duties of our profession do not admit of such frequent absences; and I have not the facilities which you enjoy of securing a substitute to wait on my dear patients. I earnestly hope that you may take no offence by my thus declining the invitation."
