COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 333 



introduced us to Mrs. Alderson. I found that the 

 canon had been at Holdenby when I was at Brix- 

 worth, so we had many mutual friends, and had a most 

 pleasant evening. Their house is in the Cathedral 

 close. They sat up with us till twelve o'clock, when 

 we went to the station. Got to Edinburgh next 

 morning. 



Isobel went to the Ladies' Club ; I went to Dr. 

 Caverhill, He was away himself, but his sister-in- 

 law gave me breakfast. Off we went to Highland 

 Agricultural Show. The Prince of Wales was there 

 from Dalkeith. The first person we met was the 

 Rev. Mr. Gillespie, who took us to see Professor 

 E wart's half-bred zebras ; most beautiful animals, 

 but I don't know what use they will ever be. 



We had capital places at the show. I had written 

 to the secretary some time before, and we were next 

 to Sir Arthur and Lady Halkett. The show was 

 grand. All the finest cattle in Scotland in the ring 

 at once. After the show there was no chance of 

 getting a cab, and the showyard was about three 

 miles from the town. We went wandering on, very 

 hot and tired, and saw a gentleman's brougham set 

 some one down at a house. We asked the coachman 

 if he was going back to Edinburgh, and he most 

 kindly gave us a lift ; but he would not tell us whose 

 carriage it was. 



24th. — Inspection at St. Andrews. General 

 Chapman ; Moulton- Barret, aide-de-cafnp. Marched 

 past in field. Went to sands, rode " Collier," and 

 left all the spectators behind. 



