270 JOHN TYNDALL. [l877. 



as the trusty Caudell l ascertained by inquiring at the 

 several colleges next morning. It was an experiment 

 never repeated. 



While touching on this subject, it may be mentioned 

 that a few years later (1882) Professor Tyndall wrote 

 to say that he was about to build a rural retreat on 

 Hind Head, 800 feet above the sea. After explain- 

 ing that it would be necessary to bore to a great 

 depth for water, he -proceeded to say: "If by any 

 geological magic you could help us to obtain water 

 on cheaper terms than the sinking of a [deep] well ; 

 and if, by the magic of kindness, you could be in- 

 duced to communicate to us the secret, we should be 

 greatly obliged." 



Just at this time there was frequent correspondence 

 with the Rev. Osmond Fisher on cosmical questions. 



J. Prestwich to Rev. 0. Fisher. 



SHOREHAM, near SEVENOAKS, 12th July 1877. 



MY DEAR FISHER, You judge rightly that we are here, but, 

 I am sorry to say, only in part enjoyment of my country 

 residence. . . . 



The glacial action was so general in Europe, Asia, and America 

 and we have reason to believe also in the southern hemi- 

 sphere that I cannot but attribute it to some cosmical phe- 

 nomena, and consider that the earth lost more heat absolutely 

 in equal periods to what it did before or since. You, however, 

 raise a question I had not considered before, and which I will 

 reflect over. I am sorry to hear you are so poorly. As soon 

 as I am better, I hope you will come and take a few days' 

 change here. 



Professor and Mrs Prestwich always found the 

 kindest of friends and neighbours at Shoreham Vicar- 



1 Henry Caudell, the faithful museum servant of the late Professor 

 Phillips, and subsequently of Professor Prestwich. 



