FINAL EMPLOYMENTS. 343 



fixed to stay at home in solitude. I am to have my chop 

 and potatoes along with their tea and toast, when they 

 return, no doubt well wearied, 'twixt five and six. 



" I am now getting wearied myself, having had other 

 writing to do already, with more in expectancy. I cannot 

 do much at a time, but being so much within-doors, and 

 paying no visits, I have plenty of time, had I the capacity 

 to use it to any proper purpose. The only things I have 

 got through since I reported to you my return from Lon- 

 don, are two articles for Blackwood, — one on ' The Scottish 

 Fisheries,' and another, not out till the first of May, on 

 ' Fish Ponds and Fishing Boats.' I also re-wrote the 

 article ' Helminthology ' (leeches, earth-worms, &c), for 

 the current edition of the ' Encyclopsedia,' and a short 

 paper on the ' ColuinbidsB," or Pigeons, for which I was 

 entreated by Dr James Hamilton for his ' Excelsior,' which 

 in my ignorance I had fancied finished long ago. I have 

 other things in hand, but t must take them leisurely, and 

 begin in good time so as not to be pressed, as I have so 

 often been. When you come down you will lend me a 

 helping hand. Do send us a line or two soon touching 

 your summer and autumnal plans. We shall rely on 

 seeing you some day, and remember that with myself 

 time is passing quickly. Give our kindest regards to your 

 mother, and believe me ever, dear child, your affectionate, 



" James Wilson/' 



