sun, and might now and then be expected to be witnessed in the actual
act of transit. So confident did Le Verrier feel in the existence of
such a body that an observation of a dark object in transit, by
Lescarbault on 26th March, 1859, was believed by the mathematician to
be the object which his theory indicated. Le Verrier also thought it
likely that another transit of the same object would be seen in
March, 1877. Nothing of the kind was, however, witnessed,
notwithstanding that an assiduous watch was kept, and the explanation
of the change in Mercury's orbit must, therefore, be regarded as
still to be sought for.

Le Verrier naturally received every honour that could be bestowed
upon a man of science. The latter part of his life was passed during
the most troubled period of modern French history. He was a
supporter of the Imperial Dynasty, and during the Commune he
experienced much anxiety; indeed, at one time grave fears were
entertained for his personal safety.

Early in 1877 his health, which had been gradually failing for some
years, began to give way. He appeared to rally somewhat in the
summer, but in September he sank rapidly, and died on Sunday, the
23rd of that month.

His remains were borne to the cemetery on Mont Parnasse in a public
funeral. Among his pallbearers were leading men of science, from
other countries as well as France, and the memorial discourses
pronounced at the grave expressed their admiration of his talents and
of the greatness of the services he had rendered to science.