198 THE LIFE OF JAMES D. FORBES. [CHAP. 



gigantic precipice of 1,200 feet, rising perpendicularly 

 out of the sea : but the sea and climate are so wild that 

 it is a serious exploit to visit it, and I did not attempt 

 it. I do not think that, even in the Alps, I have seen 

 more terrific single precipices than in Shetland, -Al- 

 together I am much pleased with my trip. Do not 

 think that I have forgotten either Ben Nevis or Switzer- 

 land, The opportunity of securing so delightful a re- 

 sidence as this is for one summer for my family decided 

 me upon taking it, as I might not have so good an 

 occasion again, but I will not forget the Ben. Again 

 my long-projected visit to London, which I have regarded 

 for years as a kind of duty, I took in place of a foreign 

 excursion ; but I very fully intend to make one next year, 

 although I fear that the meeting of the British Associa- 

 tion in Edinburgh may occur at an inconvenient season. 

 Shall you not try to come over if it takes place in August V 



The session of 1849-50 found Forbes stronger in 

 health than he had been since his illness in 1843, and 

 with a larger number of students in his class, 203, than 

 in any former year. During this winter he resumed his 

 long-suspended experiments on Radiant Heat, but after 

 spending much time on these, he found his labour fruit- 

 less through some defect in the apparatus. 



* EDINBURGH, January 29th, 1850. 



' I have not had such good working health as this 

 winter since before 1843. The test and proof is that 

 I have been able to return to my laborious experiments 

 on Heat without suffering from it, and can at all times 

 apply myself without any significant symptoms which 

 for six winters past have told me of mortality and 

 increasing age. I wish you could see my new little 

 room in College, which is really a charming den, ami 

 fitted up with an express view to my Heat experiments ; 

 whereas you remember my old arrangement at the case 

 in the great room used to get very comfortless by four 

 o'clock of a winter's gloaming when you used to look 

 in upon me.' 



