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 
