1851 THE RED LIONS 179 



asking for more facts and less theory, and then myself, 

 showing how little dependence was to be placed on 

 angularity or non-angularity of pebbles as a test of 

 date. Every one came hard down upon him. . . . 

 He thought he was to be received with praise, and 

 every one opposed him/ 



The Red Lions had a curious experience this 

 season, of which the diary contains the subjoined 

 account. * At six went down with Forbes to the Red 

 Lions at Soyer's. It appeared that he had a great 

 dinner to the Press, etc., of all nations, and having 

 made no provision for us, he dodged us into dining 

 with them in the great hall. His first request was 

 that we should dine at the same hour to save his 

 cooks. There were all the Reds of note, including 

 Owen, Latham, Dr. Smith, etc. etc. He appointed 

 the best places at table for us, and made his people 

 ply us with all sorts of good dishes and wine. It was 

 a splendid joke. In the garden was a huge oven, in 

 which half an ox was roasted. At a signal the covers 

 were removed, and it was wheeled on to great dishes 

 on a hand-barrow. Twelve cooks carried it, and a 

 brass band marched before playing "The Roast Beef 

 of Old England," while all the guests came up behind 

 laughing. The Honourable Captain Fitzmaurice, 

 Soyer had secured as principal toast-giver and speech- 

 maker. This man had indicted him [the great French 

 cook] as a nuisance, with his lights and bands o' 

 nights. Soyer called thrice, but the Captain would 

 not see him ; at length he somehow forced himself 

 into his presence, and lo ! the gallant Captain now sat 

 by his side, and returned thanks for the Army and 

 Navy. The whole thing was so cleverly done that, 

 save Latham, perhaps, all of us took it as a joke and 



