Characterisation, especially by Letters 599 



and papers. There is so much that I shrink from parting with, but which I can never use 

 again and which would be useless to others. Mere rubbish in short to all but my past self, so 

 it must go to the scrap heap. 



All I saw of the fleet were the few destroyers and submarines moored at Westminster and 

 the Tower Bridges. I ventured on that much in a taxi-motor. So sorry about your horse. 

 He must be a great loss for the time, notwithstanding the occasional drives in Guy's motor. 

 A Eugenics Review, under the title of "Rassen-Hygiene," has been started in Munich, by a very 

 capable man, Dr Ploetz, who is the editor of a really solid anthropological periodical. The 

 society that issues the review has five honorary members among whom are Haeckel and 

 Weismann, and I am asked to be its honorary Vice-President, which honour I have gladly 

 accepted. But I must work up my German ! Both our loves to you all. You will be solitary 

 when Amy leaves you for a week. Ever affectionately, Francis G Alton. 



42, Rutland Gate, S.W. August 7, 1909. 



Mv deak Milly, Thanks many, re Miss Annie Butler. I fully believe that the National 

 Institution for the Feeble-Minded is the Society in which Dr Alice Johnson is much interested, 

 as the Eugenics Education Society also is. Its secretary, Miss Kirby, is a very nice and capable 

 woman. The model of my bust is finished, except just the coat which is being modelled at the 

 studio — I mean a little of it. Sir G. Frampton has had my coat and overcoat nearly two days 

 already. I hope to get them back to-day. But it is so delightfully warm that I am putting on still 

 cooler tilings. The bronze cast won't be read}' till near Xmas. The operations take much time. 

 I should like to see the white-hot metal poured in. A 11 that part is done by specialists. We 

 have quite fixed to go to Torquay for the winter. My two doctors severally and collectively 

 recommended it. I don't think that in essentials I am any better, perhaps a little worse. No 

 diminution of swelling of the legs, rather less strength, but happily much less rheumatics. Recol- 

 lect my address after Monday will be Fox Holm, Cobham, Surrey, for two months. Eva will run 

 down to Torquay in a few days to house-hunt, escorted by a lady friend who is staying there. 

 Edward Wheler came up for a few hours to see and criticise the bust. Also, Cameron Galton 

 slept a night here on his way to Geneva. They were of decided help. The likeness was brought 

 out much better through their hints, and seems satisfactory to all now. Edward told me about 

 Edward Lethbridge's visit to him. Ever affectionately yours, Francis Galton. 



Loves to you all. 



Fox Holm, Cobham, Surrey. August 29, 1909. 



My dear Milly, What a house-full you have ! Please tell Edward that my conscience 

 pricks me at never having answered his letter about Jim, saying how much better he was. 

 I was very glad to receive it. We get on very pleasantly here, especially when the sun shines. 

 My man-nurse is an accomplished poacher and snares rabbits in our own grounds, which we 

 eat. We see various members of the large Buxton family, all nice and interesting. The big 

 house, " Fox Warren," now belonging to the Postmaster-General, .Sydney Buxton, is occupied 

 by a cousin. I get into a carriage most days, by means of an artful contrivance and the help 

 of two men, and so for a 1J hours' drive. Also, my tent is an immense comfort. It keeps out 

 the wind and lets in the sun. Yesterday I had a good 2 hours' steady work in it. Much love 

 to you all. Ever affectionately, Francis Galton. 



There is an appreciative article on Lucy Studdy as an embroidress, with an excellent portrait, 

 in a monthly magazine called Needlecraft. 



Fox Holm, Cobham, Surrey. September 6, 1909. 

 My dear Milly, Your account of Jim's health and hearing is unexpectedly grateful. 

 Best congratulations to all concerned. You must indeed be a house-full. Here is a story sent 

 me by Lionel Tollemache: Some French ladies were deploring the spread of scepticism (which 

 word is, I think, pronounced with a softer c in French than with us), whereon one said 

 "Heureusement on a invente les antiseptics"!! Our plans are quite shaped now. We go from 

 here straight to Haslemere and 1 lend 12, Rutland Gate during the winter to the Gibbons. 

 It will be a great comfort to them. She was Qwen Chafy, as you know, and he will be a kind 

 of man of business to me. Also my bedroom will be intact and I could come back at any time. 

 The Buxtons' house close by is called "Fox Warren." It might appropriately be called 

 "Buxton Wan in." There are so many of them there and thereabouts, and all are attractive. 



