164 



so long delayed in the performance. When I last wrote to you, I fuUy intended 

 to visit Keswick during the summer of 1854, and now I hope to visit Keswick 

 before the coming summer is over ; but I cannot do so with much confidence, 

 considering my many disappointments arising out of uncertain health. 



Instead of going down to the north in the summer vacation, I made a short, and 

 I think my last, trip in Wales, to look at one or two doubtful geological sections ; — 

 and as a mark of my kind regards, I will send you "Author's copies" of the two 

 papers I published late in the year in the "Annals of Natural History." I have no 

 news ; for I live almost in solitude, not being able to go out among my college 

 friends, or to preside at the table in our great hall. And I live in a great measure 

 upon slops. This is, indeed, necessary, considering the condition of my lungs, and 

 my entire want of exercise. How different from the life we led together in Cum- 

 berland during many days of the glorious, bright summer of 1824 ! 



I sleep very badly, and rise early, spite of the weather. I light my own fire, 

 which is laid over-night ; and I have a cup of coffee by candle-light. When I visit 

 the north (as I hope in a few weeks) I hope again to write to you. 

 I am, my dear friend, in heart-felt good-will. 



Ever truly yours, 



A. SEDGWICK. 



Otley's meteorological observations further illustrate his industry and 

 carefulness. One MS. book contains his observations from 1844 to 

 1855, all carefully written out and tabulated; and I trust Mr. Crosthwaite 

 will incorporate these with his own observations at some future time. 



Among miscellaneous papers in MS., are numerous calculations of 

 the heights of mountains, notes on floating islands in various parts of the 

 world, and on the helm winds. All these, where concerned with his own 

 observations, have been worked up into the articles on these subjects in 

 his guide-book. 



THE CLOSE. 



Even in extreme old age his interest in his beloved mountains never 

 failed him. In the year 1841, he had corresponded with the Astronomer 

 Royal about the cistern on the top of Great Gable, and in the autumn 

 of 1854, several letters passed between the Royal Observatory at 

 Greenwich, and Otley's lodging at Keswick. The last'of these on either 

 side I will quote. 



