1865-68 
DAILY WORK AT THE MUSEUM 
i8i 
Purthermorc, add the assurance that all ends not 
here, that powers of work are entrusted gifts, with 
the glorious hope of a higher sphere of action, if 
they have been used as intended by our beneficent 
Creator.’ 
Owen was occupied with his daily work at the 
British Museum until September, when he writes 
an account of his holiday to his wife : 
Westbrook Hey, Hemel Hempstead ; September 5. 
‘After the British Museum on Thursday, I 
took the train to Boxmoor, and arrived here about 
five, had a cup of tea and a turn in the garden 
with Lord S. de Redcliffeand Mr. Motley (author 
of “ History of Dutch Republic ), then to dress 
for dinner. After dinner a rubber of whist, with 
Lady Stanhope for partner, against Lady Sophia 
Macnamara and Mr. Motley ; won i^. 6d. Next 
morning a long ramble and much interesting 
and instructive discussion with Mr. Motley. Next 
day a drive to Ashridge ; looked over house, 
pictures, and gardens, and so back to the same 
party at dinner. Afterwards I was positively 
ashamed of my winnings at vingt-ct-^ln ! To- 
day Lord Lyons comes, prior to his going as 
Ambassador to Paris.’ 
The question of the building of the Natural 
History Museum was at this date very far from 
being settled, as will be seen from the account 
given in the chapter devoted to the subject. 
