paternal charge of him, and Latreille was indebted to the friendship of this gentleman and his family for the comforts and amenities of a home. At a somewhat later period, a merchant of the same place, M. Malepeyre, showed him much kindness, and it appears to have been this generous minded individual to whom the merit is to he ascribed of first developing his taste for natural history. His love for it, which must have been deeply implanted in his nature, probably showed itself at an early age, and little more would require to be done than to fan the flame already kindled. This M. Malepeyre did by supplying him with books on the subject, and giving such instructions as he was competent to offer. That under the care of these and other friends who felt an interest in his welfare, must have been laid the foundation of a sound literary education, may safely be inferred from the proofs he afterwards gave of his proficiency.
Besides the individuals mentioned, another of his early patrons was the Baron d'Espagnac, governor of the Invalides, at whose request Latreille went to Paris when he was about sixteen years of age. Soon afterwards he had the misfortune to lose this friend, who loved him as a son, by death; but the loss was in considerable part supplied by a sister of the deceased, the Baroness de Puymarets, and his nephews, particularly M.Charles d'Espagnac. Through the influence of this family, Latreille was placed in the college of Cardinal Lemoine, where he continued for a length of time, prosecuting vari-
