room to doubt, that his studies tended not merely to
the happiness of Mr Kirby's life, but to its duration. It is at the
same time abundantly evident, that much hard work was undergone. He
carried on a most laborious correspondence with other naturalists,
often extending a letter to the dimensions of a pamphlet: this
altogether over and above his practical researches and his published
writings. He took good-humoured views of most things, and was not
easily put out of temper. A slight dash of absence of mind increased
that quaintness of character so often found in zealous students. On an
entomological excursion with two friends, Mr Marsham and Mr Macleay,
it happened on their arriving at an old-fashioned wayside inn, that
'there was only one large room for them, with three beds in it. The
arrangement having been made for the night, according to the custom of
the time, three nightcaps were laid upon the dressing-table. Mr Kirby
retired before his companions, and was soon sound asleep. Perceiving
no caps ready for them, his friends inquired for what they considered
the due appurtenances of the pillow: they were assured by the hostess
that three nightcaps were laid upon the table, but they stoutly
averred they had not seen them; the landlady no less stoutly
maintaining her side of the question. What actually passed in her own
mind did not transpire, but she appealed to the first gentleman as
being the only one who could throw light upon the subject; when, lo
and behold! as soon as his head appeared, in answer to the hasty
summons, the three nightcaps appeared at the same time upon it, one
being dragged over the other, much to the amusement not only of those
present, but also of those who long after heard the tale.'

Another example of the pleasantries that sometimes enliven the path of
the naturalist. It is related by Mr Spence, and refers to the time
when that gentleman was engaged with Mr Kirby in preparing the work
which has for ever combined their names. 'Mr (now Sir William J.)
Hooker was at that time staying at Barham, and being desirous to have
pointed out to him, and to gather with his own hands, a rare species
of _Marchantia?_ from its habitat, first discovered by Mr Kirby, near
Nayland, some miles distant, it was agreed we three should walk
thither, entomologising by the way, and after dinner proceed to the
hedge-bank where it grew. Entering the head inn-yard on foot, with
dusty shoes, and without other baggage t