82 THE EOYAL INSTITUTION. [CHAP. II. 



heat did not injure our health or materially impair our 

 spirits or appetite. 



It is really pleasant to see with what respect and affec- 

 tion Count Rumford is treated here by all ranks of people. 

 I do not mean to say that he is without enemies, for surely 

 he has many, but all, as far as I can learn, from envy, 

 jealousy, or competition of interests. The great mass of 

 the people consider him as a public benefactor, and would 

 rejoice to see the government of the country thrown into 

 his hands. This, however, as far as I can judge from what 

 he says, as well as from his actions, is by no means his own 

 wish, and, indeed, I think he can do as much good, leading 

 at the same time a vastly pleasant life, if he remains simply 

 as the Elector's friend. In our way we called at a convent 

 in Bavaria, and it was surprising to see how much attach- 

 ment the monks show to him, though they must consider 

 him as a heretic. In spite of religious differences he has 

 found the means to persuade them of his general good in- 

 tentions. The Elector and every person in his family be- 

 have to the Count with great respect, and are extremely 

 gracious to me, evidently for the purpose of showing regard 

 to his introduction. 



On September 1, Eumford wrote to his daughter that 

 lie found his English Garden grown more beautiful 

 than ever, the Elector sparing no expense upon it. 

 But his House for the Poor had not been well attended 

 to, though there were few or no beggars to be met with 

 in the streets. The Count says that he was received 

 by the public with the most nattering marks of esteem 

 and respect. The Emperor of Russia sent him an invita- 

 tion to visit St. Petersburg, but the Count could not 

 make up his mind to the undertaking. He writes : 



My health requires that I should keep more quiet. It is 



