Letters. 249 



g a y thing we have done was a donkey ride yesterday 

 to the top of Monte Cavo, and back by the lake of 

 Nemi. 



FROM MRS. SOMERVILLE TO TVORONZOW GREIG, ESQ. 



ALBANO, 29& August, 1841. 



I dare say you think it very long since you have 

 heard from me, my dearest Woronzow, but the truth is, 

 I have been writing so hard, that after I had finished my 

 day's work, I was fit for nothing but idleness. The 

 reason of my hurry is, that the scientific meeting takes 

 place at Florence on the 15th of September, and as I 

 think it probable that some of our English philosophers 

 will come to it, I hope to have a safe opportunity of 

 sending home some MS. which it has cost me hard work 

 to get ready, as I have undertaken a book more fit for 

 the combination of a Society than for a single hand to 

 accomplish. Lord Brougham was most kind when at 

 Rome, and took so great an interest in it, that he has 

 undertaken to read it over, and give me his opinion 

 and criticism, which will be very valuable, as I know 

 no one who is a better judge of these matters. He will 

 send it to Mr. Murray, and you had better consult with 

 him about it, whether he thinks it will succeed or not. 

 Both "W illiam and Martha like what I have done ; but I 

 am very nervous about it, and wish you would read it if 



you have time We have been extremely quiet 



all the summer ; we have no neighbours, so that we 

 amuse ourselves with our occupations. I get up between 

 six and seven, breakfast at eight, and write till three, 

 when we dine ; after dinner, I write again till near six, 



