94 
the naturalists’ journal. 
Descent of Man” I clasped his hand, speechless, overcome with 
emotion. The Archdeacon continued,—“William Wordsworth 
was born within a stone’s throw of this spot. I see you have a 
photograph of his birthplace here, and his memoir and writings 
lie around me. This is the author of The Excursion & The Pre¬ 
lude Again a hearty handshake, amid “thoughts which lie too 
deep ” for words. 
“ I observe that for years past, you have been a Fellow of the 
Society, which bears the name of the noble Swede, who, last year 
hundred stood unrivalled amongscientists. Allow me to introduce 
to you Dr. C. Linnaeus. Lastly, sir, I have the joy to present to 
you, a splendid type of the old-world nature lovers. Theophras¬ 
tus, as you are aware, is a noble Greek. I observe that you have 
read his works, and written in his praise in some articles you 
have penned, and when it was known that we purposed paying 
you a visit, he begged to be allowed to join our company. Now', 
sir, we have all been formally presented, and I trust you wall par¬ 
don our intrusion.” 
So soon as I was able to recover my self-control, I bid my 
welcome and honoured guests be seated, thanked them for their 
kindness in condescending to pay me a visit, and assured them 
that no pleasure could be greater. I apologized for my inability 
to offer them a cigar, as I had never learned the art of smoking, 
and was not a little comforted when I heard them declare that 
life would be worth living without the fragrant weed, and that in 
Elysium such a weakness was never indulged in ! They refused 
to endorse the verdict passed by Dalton upon Sir Humphrey 
Davy—“ The principal failing in his character as a philosopher 
is, that he does not smoke.” 
There was a moment’s lull in the conversation. I gazed 
proudly round upon my guests, and then remarked—“ I am sure, 
Sirs, that you will desire to spend the little time we have together, 
in such wise, that profit may mingle with pleasure. It happens, 
that I have this day promised to write an Essay on The Butter¬ 
fly. I am aware that each of you can give me some hints which 
will be helpful. Have you any objection to a symposium on this 
subject ? 
A smile seemed to suffuse each animated countenance, and 
there was a simultaneous rubbing of the hands, as if to give 
expression to the feeling of pleasure and approbation with which 
my proposal was met. 
“ For my part,” said the poet, “I shall be delighted to tell 
how in our youthful days, wdthin a stone’s cast from this very spot 
My sister Emmeline and I 
Together chased the butterfly. 
From the stand-point of the poet, I shall be happy indeed if I 
can add my contribution.” 
