When at Edinburgh, I had formed an acquaintance with a gentleman of this place, Dr. P⸺; one of my first objects was to find him out, and I had the pleasure of succeeding: after expressing much surprise, he kindly offered me his services during our stay at Geneva.
The short time we remained at this interesting place, made it impossible that we could enjoy all the gratifications which it was capable of affording; we determined, however, to make the most of the little time which we could afford.
Amongst the incidents which I reflect upon with the greatest pleasure, I must place the very interesting visit we paid to M. Huber, so well known in the literary world for his acute observations in Natural History, and, particularly, his patient and extraordinary investigation of the habits and economy of that valuable insect, the common honey-gathering bee. There existed a sympathy and fellow-feeling, between this amiable man and myself, of no common kind, for we had both of us long been excluded from all enjoyment of the “visual ray;” forty years before, and in the prime of life, M. Huber had the misfortune to lose his sight. Besides his superior acquaintance with natural history, M. Huber is a deep mathematician, and accomplished musician.
Before the present personal introduction, we were, however, not entirely unknown to each other, as through the medium of Dr. P⸺, when at Edinburgh, we had exchanged mutual compliments.
At this time he was residing at his country house, about a mile and a half from Geneva. We here found him walking alone in his garden, for which purpose, he has a string extended along a particular walk, which assists in guiding his steps with confidence, when engaged in deep mental research.
But, notwithstanding the public and literary character of M. Huber is so highly estimated, it is in the bosom of his family that his worth is most to be appreciated: his integrity, benevolence, and urbanity, have secured the respect and affection of all around him. He has been particularly fortunate in the companion of his domestic happiness. We had the pleasure of being introduced to Madame H⸺, the following traits of whose character cannot fail to do her the highest honour. M. H⸺ and herself had formed an attachment for each other, before his loss of sight; after this misfortune, her friends urged her to think no more of him; but neither her affection nor magnanimity would allow her to desert in adversity that being whom she had loved in prosperity; they were married, and she has had the exalted gratification of having bestowed a comfortable independence upon a worthy man, with whom she has now most happily descended far into the vale of life.
One of the sons of M. H⸺, emulating the literary character of his father, has distinguished himself by an Essay on the Economy of the Ant; a work which has been thought worthy of translation into foreign languages.
M. Huber’s reception of me was cordial and flattering; and, after too short a visit for the full gratification of my feelings, I was obliged to tear myself away, impressed with indelible sentiments of respect and veneration for this truly amiable man, and indefatigable philosopher.