PROFESSOR OWEN 
CH. VI. 
1 66 
It proves to be a great ground pigeon, grown 
too big to fly, and so let its wings go to 
waste.’ 
The last fortnight of November was occupied 
in a course of lectures delivered before the 
Literary and Philosophical Society of Hull. Here, 
and elsewhere, Owen experienced the great in- 
terest which he was able to excite in the subject 
of his lectures, and he felt that the opjjortunity 
only was wanting to arouse the same intelligent 
interest among artisans. With this object, and 
also in the hope of supplying profitable occupation 
for their idle moments, he desired to organise a 
course of Sunday lectures for the working classes. 
In this scheme, which he had deeply at heart, 
Charles Dickens warmly sympathised. 
But apparently the working man first thought 
he would like them, then thought he would not, 
and finally was not at all clear as to what he did 
like or want. The two following letters from 
Dickens were received on the subject : — 
Saturday, November 4, 1865. 
‘ My dear Owen, — Is it quite settled and 
resolved on that you begin the Sunday lectures 
for the Sunday League ? Because if it be, I will 
certainly follow so noble a leader, and give them 
a Sunday reading. One word in answer will be 
sufficient. 
‘ Ever faithfully yours, 
‘ Charles Dickens.’ 
