118 Life and Letters of Francis Galton 



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

 children I'll make thcni ampiiibious. 



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 oft' as I was getting into the boat, and I send you some enclosed '. 

 My watch is much hurt. 



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

 event, the reason for his strong feehng 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, H6tel ue 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 canie 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 ray 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 1 2 ; 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=). 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. 



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

 triangular piece of lead in this bundle of letters. 



