1837-38 GOES TO GERMANY 125 
After being present at the meeting of the 
British Association, Owen went to Germany for 
the purpose of attending the ‘ Meeting of German 
Naturalists,’ and of examining the various mu- 
seums within reach of his tour. He writes to his 
wife to say that he has determined to go first to 
Holland via Hull, and will therefore not return to 
London. On the same sheet he sends a letter to 
Clift, in which he says : ‘ Procure me at Coutts’ or 
Hammersleys’ two circular bills which are payable 
on demand at any of the bankers in any of the 
towns I visit near the Rhine or in Holland. Will 
you give them to Cooper to deliver to me at 
Rotterdam along with my carpet bag. . . . By 
the way, they made a secretary of me at one 
committee [medical], and I shall be truly glad to 
get into Holland, where pipes are smoked in 
peace. All prqofs must remain till I come back, 
which will be at the end of September, when I 
hope we shall keep little Willie’s first birthday in 
happy reunion.’ 
Owen reached Rotterdam on August 31, 1838, 
and we find him writing to his wife from the 
‘ Kleine Skippershaus ’ as follows ; ‘ Dr. Richard- 
son ® informed me that the reading of my report 
on the Marsupialia was fixed for the morning I 
started, and showed me the announcement. I had 
totally forgotten it, hadn’t had time to pen a line, 
but many had come expressly to hear it, so I begged 
■* William White Cooper. ® Dr. John Richardson. 
