Besides, England enjoyed a good start in the race with
foreigners. Surplus English capital of late has been employed in
promoting foreign industry, and the interests of England as a rival
may suffer.
Reaching the station at Denmark Hill, the colonel and George drove at
once to Bessemer's home. It is doubtful if England has forty acres, owned
by a private citizen, more tastefully laid out and adorned, with forests,
lawns, and flowers.
Henry Bessemer was tall and well formed, and looked the ideal Englishman,
as he gave cordial welcome, in his large drawing room, to Colonel Harris
and George Ingram. Evidences of his constructive skill and exquisite
taste were seen on every hand, notably in his billiard room,
conservatory, and astronomical observatory. The last contained a
reflector telescope of his own design, that rivals the world-famed
telescope of Lord Rosse. Both were soon charmed with Bessemer's manners
and conversation.
George had read of this wonderful man who was born in 1813; between 1838
and 1875 he had taken out 113 patents, and the drawings of his own work
made seven thick volumes. This record of Bessemer indicates an almost
unrivalled degree of mental activity and versatility as keen observer,
original thinker, and clever inventor.
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