His subjects were "The English Renaissance" and "House Decoration." His first lecture at Chickering Hall on January 9, 1882, was so much talked about that the famous impresario, Major Pond, engaged him for a tour which, however, had to be cut short in the middle as a monetary failure.

_The Nation_ gave a very fair account of his first lecture: "Mr.Wilde is essentially a foreign product and can hardly succeed in this country.

What he has to say is not new, and his extravagance is not extravagant enough to amuse the average American audience.

His knee-breeches and long hair are good as far as they go; but Bunthorne has really spoiled the public for Wilde." _The Nation_ underrated American curiosity.

Oscar lectured some ninety times from January till July, when he returned to New York.