118 Life anil Letters of Francis Galtoit 



time and a coffin in process of being made. I am most grateful to him and if I have 

 children I'll make them amphibious. 



Now don't fancy that I am ill once again. Just send an epistle soon all about 

 journey to Isle of Man and everything. N.B. The ducking has cured a cold. 



Yours, etc., FRANCIS GALTON. 



I have got a relic from the wood which saved my life. It stuck into my waistcoat 

 pocket and broke off as I was getting into the boat, and I send you some enclosed 1 . 

 My watch is much hurt. 



In the account Sir Francis gives in his Memories (p. 46) of this 

 event, the reason for his strong feeling about the watermen is mani- 

 fest the men in the first boat asked a sovereign to take him in, but 



being in comparative safety he was able to resist this extortion ! 



Ten days later Francis' examinations are over ; he feels he has 

 done well, and, ready for his holiday, he sets out a free man to 

 overtake his father in Paris : 



BOULOGNE, HOTEL DK GIBRALTAR. 



DEAR PATER, 



Couldn't write before on account of the Examination in Anatomy and 

 Chemistry. I will tell you why when I come, but I am too lazy now. Mr, one young 



Mr, and 3 Miss W (Civil Engineers), were in the Steam Packet with me from Dover 



to Boulogne. I came very " strong " with one of the Miss W , who says that they 



are going to stay a week at Paris. I think that we shall travel together tomorrow 

 at 9 o'clock. I being "dished" for this evening and they, I believe, ditto. 



Hang their Vin Ordinaire, it has diluted my gumption, till it is as weak as their 

 vermacelli soup, which hang also. Travelled by night from London to Dover; got there 

 at 6 a.m., walked without interruption for 5 hours up the cliffs and in every direction, 

 set off at 12 ; got here at 3. I have no particular news worth telling. Tell Emma that 

 I have two views of Dover and one of Boulogne (having invested in a small board 

 Sketching Book). There is nothing to be seen in Boulogne, so I am going to dress and 

 promenade ! ! ! 



Good-bye. FRA. GALTON. 



N.B. It is the custom in France to write on thin paper and with a wafer, 

 and not to direct epistles which are written on something very like millboard and 

 sealed with a seal such as a Cardinal would affix to a Pope's Bull to London ; and 

 thereby make the postage 2 shillings and 4 pence. Such was the case with a certain 

 letter I received. 



N.B. to N.B. (or 1/NB 2 ). I am not sure whether the letter was 1 shilling and 

 4 pence or 2 shillings and 4 pence. I think the latter. All mistakes to be referred 

 to Vermacelli soup or Vin Ordinaire. 



1 I imagine this is the shaving of wood which has been preserved with a small 

 triangular piece of lead in this bundle of letters. 



