New-York tribune., 1914-03-29
FOR MARCH 1914
ECCENTRICITIES OF THE GREAT
BY EDWIN TARRISSE

were heard in the passage, and KosSetti was
inclined TO think them valuable bits ot eY-
dencc that the house was haunted. AZ last,
by mere chance, the drawer was opened ana
the racoon emerged, rather thinner than a
his entry.
The animals upon which the poet spent
his warmcst affection were wombat and
woodchuck. He would sit with these tat,
lumpish uuadrupcds in his arms by the hour,
dandling them, gently scratching AT thor
cheeks or noses, or making the wCodchucks
head and hind paws meet Each Of them
was his houscmate for time, and each cX-
pircd without warning.
His peacock is remembered as having
been the victim Of very painful experience
One day the bird was making a great dis
play Of his train, and deer began following
him about the grounds, and, possibly with
moral purpose, systematically trampled all
his tail feathers, one after another.
One Of the animals turned unwclcome a..
tention toward Rossetti himself. This was
a zebu, or small Brahman bull, which was
bought at show brought home, and tcth-
cred to a tteo. There, in a day or two, Ros-
setti went 70 inspect him; but the animal,
naturally irritated by confinement, plunged
at the intruder, who was forced TO dodge
round the treetrunk.
7 IKE many other great men. Humbold/
- the scientist was greatly dlsappointei
when he was not permitted TO have all y.
talk to himself. In such circumstances be
would indulge himself in the most extraor-
binary actions calculated 10 impress his COM
panions with his displeasure.
On one occasion Humboldt had been Civ
ing one Of his famous readings at the Royal
Palace of Prussia. Somebody took up the
conversation, and said 50 many interesting
things that everybody was glad 70 listen IN
silence; that is, everyone but Humboldt.
The scientist was beside himself Growing.
he filled his plate with pile Of goose liver
Die, lat eels. lobster tails, and other indigest
ible substances, a real mountain Of food.
When he could positively eat no more he
could no longer keep quiet, and 50 he made
an attempt 20 take the conversation into his
own hands.
Upon the peak Of Popocatepetl-' he be-
gan.
But it was no use. The narrator would
not be cut short in his story.
Upon the peak Of Popocatepetl, seven
thousand yards above Humboldt dog
gedly resumed after violently coughing to
attract attention.
Again he failed to obtain hearing, and
the narrator went calmly on.
Upon the peak Of Popocatepetl, seven
thousand yards above the level Of the Pa
cifc Ocean" the scientist exclaimed, in a
loud, agitated voice, shaken by grief and in
dignation.
But to no purpose. The other man talked
steadily on, and the company listened 10
him, and him only.
Whereupon the great Humboldt in a-fuIs
lapsed into silence, meditating upon the III
gratitude Of courtiers.
THE innocent ignorance Of much-en-
crossed men Of science as to ordinary
matters is illustrated by an amusing anec-
dote Of Geoffroy Saint-Hilalre the younger.
Saint -Hilaire was accustomed 20 bury him.
self in his laboratory, where he did not allow
the affairs of his household to disturb him;
and Madame Saint-Hilaire was careful 20
guard him against all worry Of domestic
matters.
In his laboratory he was accustomed, be-
ing a naturalist, to have various strange ami
mails. after the fashion Of RoSSetti. OF these,
a monkey was his favorite His wife pol-
sessed a necklace of diamonds, Of which She
was naturally proud. One day this neck