252 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP. X 



Lord S. apologised for not pressing the matter, but 

 pointed out that, as Evolutionism is rapidly gaining 

 ground among the people who have votes, it was probable, 

 if not certain, that his eminent successor (whose mind is 

 always open) would become a hot evolutionist before the 

 expiration of the eight months' office which Lord S. (who 

 needs rest) means to allow him. And when eminent 

 successor goes out, my bishopric will be among the Dis- 

 solution Honours. If H.M. objects she will be threatened 

 with the immediate abolition of the H. of Lords, and the 

 institution of a social democratic federation of counties, 

 each with an army, navy, and diplomatic service of its 

 own. 



I know you like to have the latest accurate intelligence, 

 but this really must be considered confidential. As a 

 P.O. I might lose my head for letting out State secrets. — 

 Ever your affectionate Pater. 



To Sir Joseph Fayrer 



Cors-y-Gedol Hotel, Barmouth, Wales, 

 Aug. 28, 1892. 



It is very pleasant to get the congratulations of an old 

 friend like yourself. As we went to Osborne the other 

 day I looked at the old Victory and remembered that six 

 and forty years ago I went up her side to report myself 

 on appointment, as a poor devil of an assistant surgeon. 

 And I should not have got that far if you had not put 

 it into my head to apply to Burnett. 



To Sir Joseph Prestwich 



Cors-y-Gedol Hotel, Barmouth, 

 Aug. 31, 1892. 



My dear Prestwich — Best thanks for your congratu- 

 lations. As I have certainly got more than my temporal 



