1837-38 ACTORS’ BENEVOLENT FUND DINNER 123 
‘ March 26. — To Mr. Cross’s Gardens with R. 
to see an immense fire-balloon go up with three 
people. The gardens were full, but the balloon 
would not rise. The people did, though, and 
behaved shamefully : they beat Mr. Cross and 
his nephew, Mr. Tyler, and pulled things all to 
pieces.’ 
Throughout the May and June of this year 
Owen continued to give his Hunterian Lectures, 
chiefly descriptive of the Hunterian Collection, 
It is noticeable that, occupied as he was by his 
lectures and various scientific investigations, he still 
found time to interest himself with other matters 
often completely outside his own particular line. 
As an instance out of many given in the diaries, 
we find that in June he helped to promote an 
‘ Actors’ Benevolent Fund,’ attending a meeting 
and dinner given by actors for some charitable 
purpose connected with their profession. Alter 
speaking, in company with such men as Sheridan 
Knowles, Charles * Kean, and Mr. Harley, an 
amusina: incident occurred. ‘ A member of the 
Zoological Council,’ says Mrs. Owen, ‘ sat oppo- 
site Richard, and happened to ask him what day 
Lord Derby’s dinner was, for all the Society’s 
Council were invited to it. Lord Glengall, who 
was in the chair, heard the question, and, pointing 
to R., asked in a stage whisper : “ Who’s that ? " 
The reply was ; “ Oh, nobody in particular only 
the first anatomist of the age ! ” 
