Biographical Sketch 2 5 



quick beaming eye, added to the lines which 

 study had imprinted on his noble countenance, 

 gave him the look of being older than he was 

 only twenty. His carnage and manners 

 were refined and gentlemanly, but although 

 he dressed well and in good taste the sombre 

 colours and loose fit announced the student 

 rather than the young man of Society." 



But before he could begin his work a letter 

 from his friend, Professor Edward Forbes, 

 changed everything. 



Forbes wrote : " An expedition is going 

 out to the Pacific and California. It sails in 

 a fortnight. This morning I have been sent 

 for to the Admiralty to say whether I could 

 recommend a naturalist at a moment's notice, 

 as Prince Albert had desired that a naturalist 

 should be appointed to accompany the ex- 

 pedition. Now it seems to me that this 

 would be an admirable opportunity for you, 

 both to pursue your scientific aims, and to 

 lay the basis of a distinguished reputation. 

 There will be no time to get any replies to 

 any letters of yours to Shetland, but I feel 

 sure your father would desire no better pros- 

 pect for you. Write at once, as everything 

 depends upon promptitude." 



