CAMBRIDGE 73 



Royal Society, of whom I shall have to speak later, 

 laid much stress on the general aspect of mathematical 

 papers as indicating in many ways the value of their 

 contents, and I could quote other authorities to a 

 similar effect. 



We had a pleasant and a social time at Aberfeldy, 

 for the residents in the neighbourhood were very kind 

 to us. Sir Neil and Lady Menzies of Menzies 

 Castle, to whom I had an introduction, lived amid 

 Highland surroundings. One of these consisted of a 

 full-dressed piper who strutted up and down the long- 

 hall during dinner with the self-sufficiency of the 

 drum-major of a regimental band, squirling on his 

 abominable instrument. But there was also an 

 abundance of Southern culture. 



The visit of the Queen to Lord Breadalbane at 

 the neighbouring Castle of Taymouth gave rise to the 

 following permanent impression on me. On return- 

 ing to my rooms after a walk, I found all my books 

 and things taken away and replaced by the gear of a 

 cavalry officer, who was sitting uninvited at my own 

 table as lord and master of it. I could hardly contain 

 my wrath, but he was courteous and amused, though 

 firm. He was billeted there, consequently I must 

 give way and yield my occupancy to him. He had 

 been told there was another room available for me to 

 which my things had been taken, but go I must and 

 at once. This little incident made me realise the 

 odiousness and too probable insolence of military rule, 

 and the lesson sank deep. I gained on the spot a 

 Quaker-like repugnance to the sight of the accoutre- 

 ments of a soldier, that exists to this day under 

 certain conditions, and its source is still recognisable. 



