1850-51 THE HOUSE IN RICHMOND PARK 381 



his children in botany, and he asked Owens 

 advice as to the best method of so doing. 



After giving his opinion, Owen broached the 

 subject of the house at Kew, saying how much 

 he would prefer the smaller house in Richmond 

 Park. The Prince said that he had seen the house, 

 but that it was merely a cottage, and that there 

 was no doubt whatever about the right of posses- 

 sion of the Kew house — it was only the matter of 

 waiting a short time. Owen represented to His 

 Royal Highness how much more suitable the 

 cottage would be for his small family, and Prince 

 Albert said that of course, if he really preferred 

 it, he had no doubt it could be arranged, as the 

 Queen's w r ish had merely been to do what might 

 prove most acceptable. The matter was brought 

 before Her Majesty, who was pleased to consent, 

 and Owen shortly afterwards received the follow- 

 ing letter from Sir C. B. Phipps : — 



' I have very great pleasure in informing you 

 that Her Majesty has been pleased to grant to 

 you the house in Richmond Park, which you so 

 much wished for. A communication to this effect 

 has been made by the Prince to Lord John 

 Manners. Allow me heartily to congratulate you, 

 and to wish you every enjoyment in your new 

 abode. 5 



