FROM MY JOURXAL. Ol 



itself might not consider itself too firm. And what was the oppressively 

 momentous subject on which this new candidate for political distinction 

 was going to write and shake the throne ? Why, the government had 

 lately thought of taxing caged nightingales, and he was determined to 

 let fly his artillery at them double-shotted ! ! The blood rushed to his 

 face as he told me, and he was fiercely excited. He conceived it to be 

 an intolerable oppression which could not be submitted to. I was sud- 

 denly seized with a fit of coughing, which I attrihutcd to the tobacco 

 smoke, that now densely clouded the room, for he pulTed with double 

 vigor whilst he was telling me the story of his wrongs, and I rolled out 

 the volumes more vehemently than usual, to prevent a more hilarious 

 explosion. 



This gentleman is at present preparing a new edition of Cuvier's 

 Regne Animal, with copious notes and a new translation. It is a pro- 

 foundly learned work and displays an extraordinary acquaintance with 

 every department of Zoology. A considerable portion of it is already 

 printed and this he kindly presented to me. The notes are four times 

 more voluminous than the text, and I think he will be in full possession 

 of his expected Professorship before he finishes it, for I have no doubt, 

 it will require many long years of laborious research, if he continues 

 to be as prolix as he has begun. Jn return for this favor, I gave him a 

 scientific trifle of my own which had appeared in one of our Journals, 

 and he was so overwhelmed with gratitude, that he rose up, grasped my 

 hand and thanked me a thousand times, for the gift! I did not know 

 whether I should laugh or cry. 



These are but a few of the numerous queer incidents that occurred 

 during an interview of several hours. I shall not soon forget my visit 

 to the eccentric naturalist. 1 left liim with regret, having really con- 

 ceived a strong attachment to this very singular man. Next day I re- 

 ceived a letter oi' four sheets, in elucidation of certain points discussed 

 the evening before and specifying certain desidcrala of our Natural lii.s- 

 tory. It comprehended the whole Fauna and Flora — he wanted every 

 thing the country produces, and if I could send him but a fourth of 

 what he asked for, he would have a very respectable Museum of Amer- 

 ican Zoology. 



I admired the man's talents and acquirements — and pitied his infirm- 

 ities. He has many admirable qualities and is really an entertaining 

 companion, — so lehc icohl Hcrr ex-ohcr-Lchrer M. 



