cuap. xv.] A Possible Sub-curatorship. 269 
Edward at first found a difficulty in managing the micro- 
scope, on which Mr. Bate sent him a long letter illustrated 
by diagrams, informing him how he was to use it. “I am 
sure,” he said, “you are too sharp a fellow not to under- 
stand it thoroughly after these few hints have been given 
you..... I will also send you a pocket lens, which you 
will find very useful..... You will find it convenient dur- 
ing this cold weather (November 24th) to bring home any 
thing, and then look at it at your leisure, rather than study 
it upon the sea-shore.” 
Mr. Bate must have been a thoroughly kind and good- 
hearted man. He may possibly have heard something of 
the circumstances of Edward, and he was now on the look- 
out for some higher vocation for the naturalist than that 
of “ ladies’ shoe-maker.” The Rev. George Gordon, also 
a zoologist, who was in constant communication with Mr. 
Bate, may have probably informed him of Edward’s am- 
bition, which was to be appointed curator or subcurator of 
some important museum. Hence Mr. Bate’s letter to Ed- 
ward. After informing him that Mr. Lubbock would short- 
ly ask him to make a collection of crustacea, and advising 
him to send certain fishes in proof-spirit to the British 
Museum, he proceeded : 
“T have one thing more to say; but I write in ignorance 
of your circumstances, and therefore, if I tread upon a corn, 
pray forgive me. I have been asked if I can recommend a 
person to the College of Surgeons, whose duty will be to 
attend upon the curators and professors, and make prepara- 
tions, and do other work in natural history. The salary 
is one pound ten shillings a week. If such a thing will 
suit you, let me know, and I will write to propose you. 
If the place is not filled up, I think it might be got.” 
This letter raised a glimmer of hope in Edward’s breast. 
Was he really to be rewarded at last for his efforts in natu- 
ral history, by an appointment which would bring him into 
communication with scientific men? It may be mentioned 
