308 LIFE OF SIR JOHN LUBBOCK oh. 



High Elms, 

 January V7th, 1891. 



Dear Mr. Cook — I have been so much occupied with 

 administration work for the last two years that I have 

 not been able to keep pace with contemporary literature, 

 and I do not feel that I could draw up such a list as you 

 suggest. 



I shall, however, read with much interest the opinions 

 of others. When you reprint I really think you should 

 give my real first list. The one you inserted as mine 

 was compiled from the Morning Advertiser, and though 

 the Report given there was admirable, it was not 

 complete. 



In justice, I may surely ask that my own list should 

 be given. The omissions have caused me some vexation, 

 for instance, I have been blamed for omitting the Bible. 



I feel strongly on the point, and hope you will see 

 the reasonableness of it. 



The only changes I have since made are the insertion 

 of Schiller's W. Tell and Kalidases Sakuntala, and the 

 omission of Lucretius and Miss Austen. — I am, yours 

 very truly, John Lubbock. 



Throughout his life Sir John took a great 

 pleasure in trying to direct the minds of people 

 who had not enjoyed his advantages to an intel- 

 ligent interest in the scientific pursuits which 

 had such a strong attraction for him, and I think 

 it was as much with this end in view as any other 

 that he and Lady Lubbock in the early part of 

 1891 gave the first of a series of what they called 

 " Parish Parties." They let it be known in the 

 schools and by means of the Parish Magazine 

 that invitations to an evening party at High 

 Elms would be sent to any of the Down or 

 Farnborough people who cared to give in their 

 names. About 150 came. The host and hostess 

 put out specimens, photographs, microscopes, 

 books, etc., and gave tea and coffee from 8 to 10. 

 The party was very much appreciated. 



