74 LOOSE LEAVES 



ments of a lordly castle, the winter residence of the distinguished no- 

 bleman I was going to visit. On a high hill about three miles from the 

 village, I observed a magnificent palace, whose snowy whiteness con- 

 trasted beautifully with the deep green forest in which it was partly em- 

 bowered. It was a striking object; — it stood proudly pre-eminent and 

 challenged tlie admiration of every voyager on the Rhine. I inquired 

 whose it was ? "Oh! that's the summer residence of the Prince!" — 

 "Ah! indeed, then I expect to dine there this evening ! " My infor- 

 mant looked inquiringly at my breast to see whether I wore an order 

 or a riband. 



In a few minutes I was safe ashore and went to a hotel that stood 

 just on the bank of the river, from the vestibule of which you have a 

 splendid view far up and down tlie celebrated Rhine. Ruined castles, 

 ancient towers, smiling villages, and laughing vineyards greet your eye 

 on every side; — but I had no time to sentimentalize. I retired to my 

 chamber and spent more than my usual time at my toilette, for I was 

 going to visit a Prince. 



But who, after all, was he ? Reader: he is a naturalist — an every 

 day prince I would stop no where to visit. They are not usually men 

 of literary or scientific distinction. Prince M — , of N — , is a naturalist 

 of world-wide fame ; — he is a traveller withal ; — he has visited our country 

 and published one of the most magnificent books on it ever issued. It 

 is illustrated with the finest steel engravings that European skill could 

 produce. All the resources of the printer, artist, paper-maker and book 

 binder were put in requisition in bringing out that book. It is a chef- 

 d''ceuvre of the book-making art. The next time you go to Washington 

 visit the library of the State Department (not the Library of Congress,) 

 — and ask for it .'' If you have any taste for the fine arts, you will be in 

 raptures. Well, this nobleman laid aside his aristocratic reserve when 

 he was here — he did not renew the starch on his shirt collar every day, 

 but freely mingled with the people and especially with naturalists. He 

 was much admired for his plainness of manner, as well as for his scien- 

 tific acquirements. lie was feted and caressed by many of our people, 

 and he promised a reciprocation of the same favors. I had a letter to 

 him from a gentleman of high distinction in our country and anticipated 

 a rich scientific treat. I expected to see his valuable collections of Nat- 

 ural History and his library of Zoological works. I was full of the 

 highest hope, for I knew he was at the palace. " What time does the 

 prince dine .' " — said I to the landlord of the inn. *•' At four o'clock. " 

 I'll just be in time, thought I. I hired a two-horse carriage; — who 

 goes to visit a prince in a one-horse vehicle ? I shaved closer and 



