110 Bulletin American Museum of Natural Hiiitory [Vol. XLIII 



the subject did not altogether cease. Though busj- with many other 

 things, and becoming more and more absorbed in paleontological re- 

 searches, I still cherished a fondness for that particular faunal nook in 

 which I had passed so much time with pleasure, and kept on from time 

 to time adding to my collection, and latterl}^ to that of the Carnegie 

 Museum, as opportunities presented themselves. The result has been 

 the gradual accumulation of a collection of the insects of Africa, and 

 particularly of the Lepidoptera, which is one of the largest in the world. 

 It is indeed far from complete, but, nevertheless, contains many thou- 

 sands of species and a vast assemblage of specimens. 



At this point I am tempted to narrate a little incident, which I have 

 never recorded, but which is recalled to me as I am writing these pre- 

 liminary notes. In the summer of 1903 it became ni}' duty to repair to 

 Brussels in order to supervise the removal from that city to Pittsburgh 

 of the great paleontological collection which had been brought together 

 by Baron Ernst Bayet, and which Mr. Andrew Carnegie had instructed 

 me to secure for the museum of which I have the honor to be the 

 Director. His Majesty, King Leopold, on the day set apart to celebrate 

 Belgian Independence, sent me an invitation to lunch with him at the 

 Royal Palace. The Court was in attendance, because at half-past two 

 o'clock in the afternoon the king, attended by his ministers, was tore- 

 pair in state to the church of St. (iudule to join in the Te Deum. 

 After having been presented to the ladies and gentlemen of the Court 

 who were in waiting, I was introduced to Sir Ernst Cassel, the only 

 other guest, and then the king was announced. He entered the room 

 with the Princess Clementine upon his arm, came forward and greeted 

 Sir Ernst and me, turned the Princess Clementine over to me to escort 

 to tablCj and then with Cassel at his side bade the assembled company 

 follow on into the apartment where refreshments were provided. I 

 found myself seated between the King and the Princess. Conversation 

 went on merrily, and finally a mischievous notion occurred to me, and, 

 turning to the king, I said "Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask of you, 

 which I am sure you will be willing to grant, and the pi'opriety of asking 

 for which I am sure you will recognize." He looked me in the face and 

 answered, "My clear Doctor, I shall be happ}' to serve you, if I can, 

 but what is the favor you wish?" I replied, "Your Majesty, I wish a 

 concession in the Congo Free State." "A concession in the Congo 

 Free State!" he exclaimed, and I saw a look of astonishment pass over 

 the faces of a number of those at the table. "Yes, your Majesty. But 

 I nuist explain myself fully. For many years I have l)een interested in 



