1 66 PROFESSOR OWEN ch. VI. 



It proves to be a great ground pigeon, grown 

 too big to fly, and so let its wings go to 

 waste.' 



The last fortnight of November was occupied 

 in a course of lectures delivered before the 

 Literary and Philosophical Society of Hull. Here, 

 and elsewhere, Owen experienced the great in- 

 terest which he was able to excite in the subject 

 of his lectures, and he felt that the opportunity 

 only was wanting to arouse the same intelligent 

 interest among artisans. With this object, and 

 also in the hope of supplying profitable occupation 

 for their idle moments, he desired to organise a 

 course of Sunday lectures for the working classes. 

 In this scheme, which he had deeply at heart, 

 Charles Dickens warmly sympathised. 



But apparently the working man first thought 

 he would like them, then thought he would not, 

 and finally was not at all clear as to what he did 

 like or want. The two following letters from 

 Dickens were received on the subject : — 



Saturday, November 4, 1865. 



' My dear Owen, — Is it quite settled and 

 resolved on that you begin the Sunday lectures 

 for the Sunday League ? Because if it be, I will 

 certainly follow so noble a leader, and give them 

 a Sunday reading. One word in answer will be 



sufficient. 



' Ever faithfully yours, 



' Charles Dickens.' 



