i86o-6i lectures AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE 
99 
them, and I make as much of my discourse suitable 
to him as I can, and generally introduce two or 
three anecdotes for the younger children. They 
are all attentive, and seem often to be deeply 
interested ; and much of what I have had to say 
is evidently new to all. 
‘ My first lecture was on Mammalia, the second 
on Birds, the third on Reptiles, and the fourth on 
Fishes and other marine animals and insects. My 
continuous discourse is about three-quarters of an 
hour, and the rest is occupied by question and 
answer, in which the Prince Consort takes a good 
share in explaining to the youngest children any 
cnatter that seems difficult to them. I have given 
little Prince Arthur a coloured illustrated book on 
Flatural History, and to Prince Alfred a Manual 
for observing Natural History phenomena at sea. 
Fhey took leave of me to-day very affectionately, 
^nd the youngest Prince waylaid me in the cor- 
^■idor and played me a tune on his large musical 
hox, and begged Major Elphinstone, his tutor, to 
let him come to the British Museum to see my 
Animals there. The three young Princesses are 
^ery sweet and unaffected in their manner, and 
1 think they have all been rather struck by hearing 
much in an uninterrupted extempore discourse. 
• ■ • The Prince wishes me to publish my dis- 
courses, and, if I can find time for an elementary 
'^ork, on the plan I have adopted, I would gladly 
endeavour to carry out His Royal Highness’s 
H 2 
