1850-51 
THE HOUSE AT KEW 
379 
and I should think, from its proximity to London, 
would be most convenient for you. 
‘ “ Sincerely yours, 
‘ “ C. B. Phipps. 
“ Professor Owen.” 
‘ . . . . This decided me to push the British 
Museum question no further ; for 1 must then 
have lived in town, and had a deal of bothering 
work, not worth 50/. a year more than I now 
get.’ 
On the same day he writes to his sister 
Maria : ‘ I little thought when I read of the 
demise of the old King of Hanover that I should 
become heir to one of His Majesty s houses at 
Kew ; but so our own dear Majesty has graciously 
willed. . . For our little family, and my quiet way 
of life, not many rooms are wanted to add to the 
happiness of breathing and sleeping in fresh air, 
with access to one of the finest gardens of the 
world — as good as my own for life. The Council 
are now debating upon my request to retain my 
present sitting and sleeping rooms as a place 
of business, and for sleeping now and then in 
town. . . .’ 
On December 23 there is the following entry 
in the diary ; ‘To Sir Robert Ingliss. As soon 
as we entered Sir R. attacked us about our “ pala- 
tial residence,” but congratulated us very kindly. 
The news is evidently spreading. 
In sending a copy of the ‘ Times to his sister 
