132 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP. VII 



In the same number is a rich song from the same 

 fertile and versatile pen, which was sung at one of our 

 Red Lion meetings. That is why I want you to look at 

 it, not that you will understand it, because it is full of 

 allusions to occurrences known only in the scientific 

 circles. At Ipswich we had a grand Red Lion meeting ; 

 about forty members were present, and among them some 

 of the most distinguished members of the Association. 

 Some foreigners were invited (the Prince of Canino, 

 Buonaparte's nephew, among others), and were not a 

 little astonished to see the grave professors, whose English 

 solemnity and gravity they had doubtless commented on 

 elsewhere, giving themselves up to all sorts of fun. 

 Among the Red Lions we have a custom (instead of 

 cheering) of waving and wagging one coat-tail (one Lion's 

 tail) when we applaud. This seemed to strike the Prince's 

 fancy amazingly, and when he got up to return thanks 

 for his health being drunk, he told us that as he was 

 rather out of practice in speaking English, he would 

 return thanks in our fashion, and therewith he gave 

 three mighty roars and wags, to the no small amusement 

 of every one. He is singularly like the portraits of his 

 uncle, and seems a very jolly, good-humoured old fellow. 

 I believe, however, he is a bit of a rip. It was remark- 

 able how proud the Quakers were of being noticed by 

 him. 



To W. MACLEAY, OF SYDNEY 



41 NORTH BANK, REGENT'S PARK, 

 Nov. 9, 1851. 



MY DEAR SIR It is a year to-day since the old 

 Rattlesnake was paid off, and that reminds me among 

 other things that I have hardly kept my promise of 

 giving you information now and then upon the state of 

 matters scientific in England. My last letter is, I am 



