it was everywhere deep snow (glorious for sleighing), icicles yard long outside the windows,—­and of course smaller audiences to a frozen-up lecturer.  Yet many came nevertheless, and I am pleased to remember among them good Bishop Oxenden and his family.  In spite, then, of positively Arctic influences, as I had to do it, I did it bravely; and sent home needful dollars, and came back with a pocket full too.  All this is surely part of an author’s lifework; so I am writing appositely.

Among notabilia of this second visit, which was crowded like the former with abundance of private hospitality and of public honours,—­I may record these briefly.  Dr. Talmage, my kind and liberal host for two lengthened visits, gave a grand reception on October 26, 1876, to William Cullen Bryant and myself, which was attended by Peter Cooper, Judges Neilson and Reynolds, Mayor Schroeder, Professors Crittenden and Eaton, with some hundred more; the chief features of the evening being Bryant’s poetical recitations and mine.  On another occasion I read my Proverbial Essay on Immortality at the Tabernacle before 7000 people at Dr. Talmage’s special request:  and of course at Chickering Hall, the Brooklyn Theatre, and other places I had to give Readings to large audiences.  The Lotos Club and other genial hosts gave me complimentary dinners.  Mr. Hulbert, the well-known editor, made a partie carree (only four of us to consume some of the rarest delicacies) for Lord Rosebery, Mr. Barnum and myself:  and in fact my journal overflows with elaborate hospitalities.  It was the Centennial Year, and at Philadelphia I found abundant welcome, especially as an inmate of the genial homes of Mr. Roberts, the eminent Dr. Levis, the excellent Mrs. Fisher, and of Mr. Pettit, the clever artist who painted my portrait complimentarily.  Of course I did the Great Exhibition thoroughly, and was quite surprised at its splendour and extent; I think that the thirty-three States were represented by no fewer than 180 ornamental edifices full of special products and treasures.  At Niagara I stayed twice for a week each, with the kindest of hosts, the Rev. Mr. Fessenden and his good wife, and saw the great cataract in all the magnificence of winter as well as autumn.  Also at the pleasant homes, of Mr. Lister in Hamilton, at Toronto, Kingston, and above all Montreal, my new but old book friends were full of liberal greetings, and everywhere I had to exhibit myself as a Reader from my own works; a specialty not common, as combining both author and orator.  At Toronto, the ministers, Mr.—­now Sir John—­Macdonald, and Dr.—­now Sir Charles—­Tupper were my principal welcomers; and I dined then with the Cabinet, as in 1851 I had with Lord Elgin’s in (I think) the same hall.  At Ottawa I found myself full of friends, and visited Lord Dufferin.  At Montreal the wealthy merchant, Mr. Mackay of Kildonan (since departed and gone up higher), was my generous host:  and there in one of the hardest winters