Wearied and disappointed, I thought my only chance of getting my letters delivered was to consign them to the post, and accordingly I handed them all over to its care, excepting one, which was addressed to "J. G. CHILDREN, Esq. British Museum." Thither I now betook myself, and was delighted to meet with that kind and generous person, whose friendship I have enjoyed ever since. He it was who pointed out to me the great error I had committed in having put my letters into the post-office, and the evil arising from this step is perhaps still hanging over me, for it has probably deprived me of the acquaintance of half of the persons to whom they were addressed. In the course of a week, about half a dozen of the gentlemen who had read my letters, left their cards at my rooms. By degrees I became acquainted with a few of them, and my good friend of the Museum introduced me to others. I renewed my acquaintance with the benevolent Lord STANLEY, and became known to other noblemen, liberal like himself. Soon after I was elected a Member of the Linnæan and Zoological Societies.
About this time, the Prince of MUSIGNANO, so well known for his successful cultivation of Natural History, arrived in London. He found me out through the medium of the learned geologist FEATHERSTONHAUGH, and one evening I had the pleasure of receiving a visit from him, accompanied by that gentleman, Mr VIGORS, and some other persons. I felt happy in having once more by my side my first ornithological adviser, and that amiable and highly talented friend, with the accomplished geologist, remained with me until a late hour. Their departure affected me with grief, and since that period I have not seen the Prince. For several months I occupied myself with painting in oil, and attending to the progress of my plates. I now became acquainted with that eminent and amiable painter, Sir THOMAS LAWRENCE, through a kindred spirit, THOMAS SULLY of Philadelphia; from both of whom, at different periods, I have received advice with reference to their enchanting art. One morning I had the good fortune to receive a visit from Mr SWAINSON, whose skill as a naturalist every one knows, and who has ever since been my substantial friend. M. TEMMINCK also called, as did other scientific individuals, among whom was my ever-valued friend ROBERT BAKEWELL, whose investigations have tended so much to advance the progress of geology; and as my acquaintance increased I gradually acquired happiness. Having visited those renowned seats of learning, Cambridge and Oxford, I became acquainted at the former with the Vice-Chancellor Mr DAVIE, Professors SEDGWICK, WHEWELL, and HENSLOW, the Right Honourable WENTWORTH FITZWILLIAM, JOHN LODGE, Esq. Dr THACKERY, and many other gentlemen of great learning and talent; at the latter, with Dr BUCKLAND, Dr KIDD, and others. These Universities afforded me several subscribers.