1888 A FUTILE 'WARNING' 81 



University, resident Catholic priest at Maloja in the 

 summer, with whom he had many discussions, and 

 Avhose real knoAvledge of the critical questions con- 

 fronting Christian theology he used to contrast with 

 the frequent ignorance and occasional rudeness of 

 the English representatives of that science who came 

 to the hotel. 



A letter to Mr. Spencer from Ragatz shows him 

 on his return journey : — 



In fact, so long as I was taking rather sharp exercise 

 in sunshine I felt quite well, and I could walk as well 

 as any time these ten years. It needed damp cold 

 weather to remind me that my pumping apparatus was 

 not to be depended upon under unfavourable condi- 

 tions. Four thousand feet descent has impressed that 

 fact still more forcibly ujjon me, and I am quite at sea 

 as to what it will be best to do when we return. 

 Quite certainly, however, we shall not go to Bourne- 

 mouth. I like the place, but the air is too soft and 

 moist for either of us. 



I should be very glad if we could be wdthin reach of 

 you and help to cheer you up, but I cannot say anything 

 definite at present about our winter doings. . . . 



My wife sends her kindest regards. She is much 

 better than when we left, which is lucky for me, as 

 I have no mind, and could not make it up if I had 

 any. The only vigour I have is in my legs, and 

 that only when the sun shines. — Ever yours, 



T. H. Huxley. 



A curious incident on this journey deserves re- 

 cording, as an instance of a futile "warning." On 

 the night of October 6-7, Huxley woke in the night 



VOL. Ill G 



