

Lehrjahre and Wanderjahre 



conclude that Cay ley did his duty on the occasion. A draft pro- 

 gramme prepared on a rough piece of paper by Francis Galton, giving 

 the names of the guests, the dances and music, the supper menu 

 (somewhat substantial), the flower decorations, the directions " many 

 candles," "polish the coffee pot," "pins, needle and thread, and 

 looking glass," etc., showing how completely and carefully he provided 

 for all contingencies, has survived to the present day. It was wrapped 

 round some fishing hooks and flies, and enclosed with a piece of ribbon 

 worn at the Highland wedding of Margaret Carmichael, described 

 in the letter below. 



ABERFELDY, Monday [Any. 1. 1842]. 

 MY DEAR FATHER, 



We are enjoying ourselves very much at Aberfeldy, there is unfortunately 

 much monotony in the walks, as the village is situated on the side of a broad strath 

 through which runs the Tay, and itself formed by high barren moorlands. We have just 

 witnessed a true Highland wedding, and absolutely danced with only 1-J hours altogether 

 intermission from 3 in the afternoon till 4 the next morning. I myself was pretty con- 

 siderably knocked up, but several of the villagers did not go to bed at all and really did 

 not seem much the worse for it the next day. The Scotch reels are great fun, for after 

 every one is read}' and before the reel is played, a particular squeak is given on the fiddle 

 and every one kisses his partner, and if they are obstreperous there is a fine chase and 

 scramble. We are really very much liked at Aberfeldy, and have been huzza'ed more 

 than once as we walked up the town. When we were invited to the wedding, we eacli 

 subscribed 2 shillings and so bought the bride a very good looking tea tray, 2 jolly brass 

 candlesticks and snuffers, which overwhelmed the lady. The Scotch air has done wonders 

 for my general health, but my head scarcely improves. I have been able to do but little 



reading since I have been here and altogether am very low about myself. Lady Menzies 



has been most kind to me and other neighbouring residents have been exceedingly hospit- 

 able to the party. Will Bessy thank Mrs Cameron for the note of introduction when 



next she sees her. Goodbye, Your affectionate son, 



FRAS. GALTON. 



The next letter is from Edinburgh after the reading party 



had broken up : 



EDINBURGH, THE QUEEN'S HOTEL 



[Sept. 14, 1842]. 

 MY DEAR FATHER, 



I left Aberfeldy very early yesterday morning with Eben Kay 1 and went 

 thro' Crieff and Stirling to Edinbro', really quite sorry to part with the Highlands. We 

 left in high feather, knowing every family well in the Strath, some of them intimately 

 and altogether have, I really think, left a very good name for Cambridge. Our ball went 

 off superbly. I wrote a description of it to Emma who has possibly forwarded it on to 



1 Afterwards Justice of Appeal; Joseph Kay was the "Travelling Bachelor" who 

 wrote on education and challenged Whewell. He was later a Q.C. 



22 



