334: MEMOIR OF JOHN WILSON. 



to keep them together. Do not say any thing about my motions to 

 the Blackwoods, as I wish to be at home a day or two incog. I 

 shall get my room done up when I arrive, which will save me trou- 

 ble perhaps afterwards in looking out for papers. Mary is getting 

 fat, and looks well, and the boys are all right. I am, my dearest 

 Jane, yours ever affectionately, John Wilson." 



Two days later he writes : — 



" My dear Jane : — I expect to be at home on Friday per mail, 

 or 'Peveril,' to dinner. I purpose riding over to Penrith with 

 Garnet on the ponies on Wednesday, and thence on, which saves 

 me Kendal, a place abhorred. The family leave EUeray that day 

 for Penny Bridge. I was so knocked up with my walk therefrom 

 as to be stiff and lame yet. My walking day is over. The shrubs 

 in the entrance are all well, but too tall, and want to be cut over. 

 The myrtle is in excellent health and beauty, though it seems less* 

 Charlief is in high glee and condition. The avenue is beautiful, and 

 the gate pretty, the low walls being covered with ivy, and other 

 odoriferous plants and parasites. The ponies and cows are all well- 

 to-do, five of the former and two of the latter. Of the five former, 

 one is an 'unter, and two are staigs. I called to-day at the Wood, 

 and found all the Watsons well. I have frequently done so. I 

 have not been in Ambleside since Hamilton left us ; and we have 

 seen nobody for a long time, it being supposed that I am gone, 

 whereas I am just going. I wish no dinner on Friday, but a foal, 

 as F. calls it. Mary is to write to you on Friday next, so you will 

 hear of the boys a day later than by the Professor. Weir must 

 have been a bore. I like Otter ; Starky is in treaty for Brathay for 

 nineteen years. He is seventy-two. Rover is pretty bobbish. 

 Star is at Oldfield in high spirits, and neighs as often as we pass 

 the farm. Love to Maggy and Umbs. I expect to find you all 

 well, and if possible alone and in good humor on Friday, for I shall 

 be very tired. Stoddart brought letters. I opened Mag's and 

 yours, but not the other two, which being about eating had no 

 charms. Yours affectionately, J. Wilson." 



That the Magazine did weigh heavily upon him I do not wonder, 



* The myrtle was my mother's favorite plant. 

 t A spaniel belonging to my mother. 



