1852-54 A BIG FISH 395 



in Richmond Park. The following story is related 

 of him by Mr. George F. Wilson : — 



' Walking with him in Richmond Park, we 

 passed a pond where some men were fishing. 

 One had put down his rod and was on his way to 

 the other side of the pond to put down another. 

 The Professor, as he then was, said to the man : 

 " There are heavy fish here ; you may lose your 

 rod." As we walked on, he said : " I spoke 

 feelingly. Soon after coming to Sheen Lodge, I 

 got up very early one morning to fish, and did 

 exactly what I warned that man against doing 

 with the result that one of my rods was dragged 

 into the pond. I took off some clothes, and went 

 in after it as far as the water and mud would 

 allow ; but the mud was deep, and it would not 

 have done for the Professor to make a specimen 

 of himself in the mud of his pond. After a time 

 an early sweep came by. He was sent for his 

 long-handled broom. After that the gardener 

 and some others came to help ; then a park-keeper 

 rode up and began : ' You rascals, poaching ; ' but, 

 on seeing me, held up his hands and exclaimed, 

 ' The Professor ! ' burst out laughing at the muddy 

 group, and galloped off. At last, I could just 

 reach the big fish, when it made a plunge and 

 broke." ' 



To his sister Eliza, December 22, 1852, Owen 

 writes thus : — 



' " Please, Sir ! Mrs. Liddell's compliments, and 



