"I left for Petersburg in August, 1871 and stayed there until 1879"

Carl Spitteler's quote suggests that he spent a substantial quantity of time in Petersburg, Russia. This quote implies that he left his home in August 1871 and stayed in Petersburg till 1879. This recommends that he spent eight years in Petersburg, which was a significant quantity of time. This might mean that he was either living in Petersburg or taking a trip there frequently. It is possible that he was checking out family, good friends, or performing company in Petersburg. It is likewise possible that he was residing in Petersburg for an amount of time, as he stayed there for eight years. Whatever the factor for his stay, it is clear that Carl Spitteler had a strong connection to Petersburg and invested a considerable amount of time there.