gg LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY chap, vn 



July i6, 1851. — I went yesterday to dine with Colonel Sa- 

 bine. We had a long discourse about the prospects and probable 

 means of existence of young men trying to make their way to 

 an existence in the scientific world. I took, as indeed what I 

 have seen has forced me to take, rather the despairing side of 

 the question, and said that as it seemed to me England did not 

 afford even the means of existence to young men who were 

 willing to devote themselves to science. However, he spoke 

 cheeringly, and advised me by no means to be hasty, but to wait, 

 and he doubted not that I should succeed. He cited his own 

 case as an instance of waiting, eventually successful. Alto- 

 gether I felt the better for what he said. . . . 



There has been a notice of me in the Literary Gazette for 

 last week, much more laudatory than I deserve, from the pen of 

 my friend Forbes.* . . . 



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 under- 

 stand 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 thera 

 some of the most distinguished members of the Association. 

 Some foreigners were invited (the Prince of Casino, Buona- 

 parte'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 remarkable how proud the Quakers were of being noticed 

 by him. 



* An appreciation of his papers on the Physophoridae and Sagitta, 

 speaking highly both of his observations and philosophic power, in 

 the report of the proceedings in Section D. 



