Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/286

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LIFE IN THE OLD WORLD.

already known in Europe, as well as in America, by an astronomical discovery, and she has come hither to acquire knowledge regarding the observatory of Rome, and to communicate the same to her native land. The Jesuits who have the care and management of the Observatory, as well as of all other scientific institutions in the states of the church, have, with great liberality and politeness, thrown it open to her, and given her all the information she required. She found every thing connected with it in the utmost order and perfection. The gentlemen, the Jesuits, are distinguished for their profound knowledge of the positive sciences.

It was a pleasure to me to hear this young American lady speak of her father as her teacher; and, as the one who inspired her with an interest for science. Her affection for her father was so great, that she feared lest this interest should decrease, if he were no longer able to share it with her.

At the Italian Rosetti's, I saw a great wealth of works of art, beautiful, but not of the highest beauty. Esmeralda and her; goat; a little Flora, from everyday life; Mad Ophelia; a young woman in the slave-market, are all figures of much grace and perfection. Most original, and not the least beautiful, is a group, of an elderly gentleman of noble appearance, who raises by the hand a poor lad who is sitting astride on a curbstone. The boy is Rosetti himself when child, and this group is dedicated to his benefactor.

At the American, Mr. Moser's, a number of Indian subjects may be seen, with well-formed figures; but have seen more beautiful countenances amongst the Indians at the sources of the Mississippi. His Poca-