1893 HIS CATS 285 



kittens, but few more lively, and energetically destructiva 



Just now lie scratched away at sometliing that M 



says cost 13s. 6d. a yard — and reduced more or less of it 

 to combings. 



M therefore excludes him from the dining-room, 



and all those opportunities of higher education which he 

 would naturally have in my house. 



I have argued that it is as immoral to place 13s. 6d. a 

 yard-nesses within reach of kittens as to hang bracelets 

 and diamond rings in the front garden. But in vain. 

 Oliver is banished — and the protector (not Oliver) is sat 

 upon.— In truth and justice aid your Pa. 



[This letter is embellished with fancy portraits of 



Oliver when most quiescent (tail up ; ready for action). 



O. as polisher (tearing at the table leg). 



0. as plate basket investigator. 



0. as gardener (destroying plants in a pot). 



0. as stocking knitter (a wild tangle of cat and wool). 



0. as political economist making good for trade at 

 13s. 6d. a yard (pidling at a hassock).] 



The following to Sir John Evans refers to a piece 

 of temporary forgetfuhiess. 



HoDESLEA, Eastbourne, 

 March 19, 1893. 



My deak Evans — It is curious what a difference there 

 is between intentions and acts, especially in the matter of 

 sending cheques. The moment I saw the project of the 

 Lawes and Gilbert testimonial in the Times, I sent my 

 contribution in imagination — and it is only the arrival of 

 this circular which has waked me up to the necessity of 

 supplementing my ideal cheque by the real one inclosed. 

 — Ever yours very faithfully, T. H. Huxlet. 



Keference has been made to the writing of the 

 Romanes Lecture in 1892. Mr. Gladstone had already 



