8132 Notices of New Books. 



young naturalists. I soon became intimate with liim, for he had a 

 remarkable power of making the young feel completely at ease with 

 him, though we were all awe-struck by the amount of his knowledge. 

 Before I saw him, I heard one young man sum up his attainments by 

 simply saying that he knew everylliing. When I reflect how imme- 

 diately we felt at perfect ease with a man older and in every way so 

 immensely our superior, I think it was as much owing to the trans- 

 parent sincerity of his character, as to his kindness of heart ; and, 

 perhaps, even still more to a highly remarkable absence in him of all 

 self-consciousness. One perceived at once that he never thought of 

 his own varied knowledge or clear intellect, but solely on the subject 

 in hand. Another charm, which must have struck every one, was 

 that his manner to old and distinguished persons and to the youngest 

 student was exactly the same : to all he showed the same winning 

 courtesy. He would receive with interest the most trifling observa- 

 tion in any branch of Natural History; and however absurd a blunder 

 one might make, he pointed it out so clearly and kindly, that one left 

 him no way disheartened, but only determined to be more accurate 

 the next time. In short, no man could be better formed to win the 

 entire confidence of the young, and to encourage them in their pur- 

 suits." In allusion to Natural-History rambles with Henslow, Mr. 

 Darwin says : — " These excursions have left a delightful impression 

 on my mind. He was, on such occasions, in as good spirits as a 

 boy, and laughed as heartily as a boy at the misadventures of those 

 who chased the splendid swallow-tail butterflies across the broken and 

 treacherous fens. He used to pause every now and then and lecture 

 on some plant or other object, and something he could tell us of every 

 insect, shell or fossil collected, for he had attended to every branch of 

 Natural History. After our day's work we used to dine at some inn 

 or house, and most jovial we then were. I believe all who joined these 

 excursions will agree with me that they have left an endearing impres- 

 sion of delight on our minds." It was Henslow who recommended 

 Darwin to Captain Fitzroy, of H.M.S. " Beagle," and thus we are 

 indirectly indebted to the Professor for opening the career of one of 

 the greatest natiualists our country has produced ; but this subject we 

 must suppress to introduce Mr. Darwin's beautiful summary of the 

 character of his friend. " During the years when I associated so much 

 with Professor Henslow I never once saw his temper rufl3ed. He 

 never took an ill-natured view of any one's character, though very far 

 from blind to the foibles of others. It always struck me that his mind 

 coidd not be even touched by any paltry feeling of vanity, envy or 



