168 FIRST JOURNEY IN EUROPE. [1839, 
for a moment the examination of a batch of candi- 
dates for a vacant professorship by concours; also 
the examination of students in the same way ; then I 
visited the Musée Dupuytren, —a sergical museum of 
great extent; then went to the [le St. Louis (oppo- 
site the Garden) to call on M. de St. Hilaire; not at 
home, so I saved a little time. Next to the Garden ; 
looked on my way at the animals, the hyenas, lions, 
giraffe, monkeys, etc., besides a few large snakes ; then 
ealled at Mirbel’s rooms, who took a great deal of 
trouble to show me most curious things in vegetable 
anatomy, but of this I will write to your good papa, 
who will care much more for it than you. After this 
I saw Decaisne for a few minutes at the botanical 
gallery ; took one of the young lads with me; saw the 
mineralogical cabinet and that of fossils, which occupy 
a new and most beautifully arranged gallery. Here 
I saw many of the famous things I have heard so 
much of. In the vestibule to this gallery they are 
preparing a pedestal for a fine and large statue of 
Cuvier. I went next to Jussieu’s house, talked with 
him for a few minutes, and bid him good-by. On 
my way home stopped at Ballitre’s, the bookseller, to 
transact some business; home; dined at half past 
seven ; went to Webb’s, where I like to go of an even- 
ing, as I get a good cup of tea (no common thing in 
Paris), which, after such a day’s work, was very grate- 
ful, I assure you; remained until half past nine; re- 
turned here, todk up my pen, and voici the result ; 
and if I do not write plainly and neatly, it is no great 
wonder, and I trust you will excuse it, for I have 
other writing to do also this evening. Besides, I must 
rise at seven, as I expect another very busy day. On 
my return this evening, 1 found a polite note from 
