ft' 



332 



AUDUBON 



the time of M. de Marignac as I felt I could do at this 

 hour. 



October 4- Went with Swainson to the Jardin du Roi 

 to interpret for him, and afterwards spent some time with 

 Geoffroy de St. Hilaire, hearing from him some curious 

 facts respecting the habits and conformation of the Mole. 

 He gave me a ticket to the distribution of the Grand Prix 

 at the Institut. I then ascended four of the longest stair- 

 cases I know, to reach the cabinet of M. Pascale, the 

 director of the expenses of S. A. R. the Due d'Orldans. 

 What order was here ! Different bookcases contained the 

 papers belonging to the forests — horses — furniture — fine 

 arts — libraries — fisheries — personal expenses, and so on. 

 M. Pascale took out M. Redout^'s letter, and I perceived 

 the day of subscription, number of plates per annum, all, 

 was noted on the margin. M. Pascale sent me to the 

 private apartments of the Duchesse. Judge of my aston- 

 ishment when I found this house connected with the Palais- 

 Royal. I went through a long train of corridors, and 

 reached the cabinet of M. Goutard. He took my name 

 and heard my request and promised to make an appoint- 

 ment for me through M. Redout^, who is the drawing- 

 master of the daughters of the Duchesse. With Parker I 

 went to see the distribution of prizes at L'Institut Fran9ais. 

 The entrance was crowded, and, as in France pushing and 

 scrambling to get forward is out of the question, and very 

 properly so, I think, we reached the amphitheatre when it 

 was already well filled with a brilliant assemblage, but 

 secured places where all could be seen. The members 

 dress in black trimmed with rich green laces. The youths 

 aspiring to rewards were seated round a table, facing the 

 audience. The reports read, the prizes were given, those 

 thus favored receiving a crown of laurel with either a gold 

 or silver medal. We remained here from two till five. 



Sunday, October 5. After a wonderful service at Notre 

 Dame I wandered through Les Jardins des Plantes, and 



