xx MEMOIR OF THE LATK 



I have given a photograph of our author from a 

 negative taken by Mr, Rylands, of Cambridge. It 

 is a capital portrait. In stature Mr. Austen was 

 broad-shouldered, and built like a little Hercules. 

 His eyes were peculiarly brilliant, quick, and very 

 observant. He had a splendid memory, and was an 

 excellent linguist ; the quick way he picked up the 

 Norwegian language when reindeer-shooting in 

 Norway amply proved this. Although retiring 

 and unobtrusive in his habits, he was very 

 courageous and quick at expedients. He was a 

 proficient in all manly exercises, and was a great 

 adept at the sword-exercise and fencing. In fact 

 he was an excellent swordsman, being able to per- 

 form many feats with ease that required skill and 

 strength. I was always glad to see him when he 

 called at my house in Albany Street ; and Mr. Searle, 

 my secretary, informs me that when I was out and 

 could not be with him, or when tired of examining 

 my specimens and books, he was very fond of 

 taking down the sword and displaying his skill in 

 sword- exercise. 



Mr. Austen was educated at Aldenham, near 

 St. Alban's. In 1868 he went to Peterhouse 

 College, Cambridge, and when studying there 

 made the acquaintance of his friend Mr. 

 Laidlay. Mr. Laidlay has been kind enough 



