Diary of Anne Elizabeth Fisher, vol II

Includes small sketch of an anteater and a pressed leaf, with list of books read in 1853-54 at back. Notable entries include: (July 1853) visits to the Royal Academy, with details of some of the paintings seen; (16 July) move into the new house, 14 York Place; (20 July) visit to see the 'Aztec Lilliputians' at Hanover Square Rooms; (12 August) rumour that Professor [William Webster] Fisher is to marry Kate Woodham; (22-30 August) holiday in the Isle of Wight, returning via Portsmouth and a visit to the 'Victory'; (16 November) visit to the Sydenham Crystal Palace; (25 November) letter from Isabella Amos reporting that Prince Albert was in Cambridge for two days and visited Downing College; (3 December) first taste of a (black) banana; (January 1854) news of the [Crimean] war ("Our fleet is gone into the Black Sea, which they say is the most dangerous sea known, and our sailors are not acquainted with the navigation of it; therefore a great loss is feared") - she later notes (8 April) that 'The Times' had called on young people to record all they hear about the war in their journals; (March 29) Anne's confirmation, by the Bishop of London in a large ceremony with 240 candidates [from 1854, Anne begins describing individual sermons etc she has attended in more detail]; (26 April) Fast Day across the country to raise funds for the war effort.