PROFESSOR OWEN 
CH. VI. 
184 
the first time. There were some civil cases, and 
among other indictments, school boys “had up” 
for stealing pigeons. The whole .scene strangely 
recalled Sancho Fanza’s administration of justice in 
Baratarla. . . . After a quiet day’s rest to-morrow, 
I proceed to Sir William Armstrong’s at New- 
castle, and give at that town the same two lectures 
as here. . . .’ 
On hearing of the Illness of his sister Eliza, 
Owen writes, December 26 : — 
' Nothing could have been kinder or more 
prompt than (Dr.) Pearson Langshaw’s reports of 
your symptoms. Any wish of his or yours I will 
fulfil at once, for I have escaped cold hitherto, 
though at the Museum almost daily. 
‘ On Wednesday I made a pilgrimage to St. 
Gabriels, Warwick Square, in my new and proud 
capacity as grandfather and godfather.’ 
The following letter illustrates Owen’s readi- 
ness, even in the busiest moments of his life, to 
interest himself in those who had to make their 
own way in the world. It was written to a young 
working man who had endeavoured to educate 
himself m geology and was anxious for a position 
in the British Museum ; — 
I have received your letter of January 1868, 
and have read with interest the essay accompany- 
ing It. The evidence of worth in both made me 
feel, what I have often felt before on like occasions, 
sorry for my Inability to offer you a position in 
