250 Edward Livingston Youmans. 



less are objections, and in the midst of conflicting con- 

 siderations I eventually became so far undecided as to let 

 the matter stand as it was. 



37 QUEEN'S GARDENS, BAYSWATER, LONDON, W., February 29, 1868. 



MY DEAR YOUMANS: After losing a great deal of time 

 during the last two months, hoping to get into working 

 order by using half measures, I have been at length com- 

 pelled to take a more decisive course. I start to-morrow 

 morning for Italy, where I propose to spend some two 

 months, expecting that by the end of April, by the com- 

 bined effect of desisting from all excitements, intellectual 

 and social, and getting the exhilaration due to so much 

 novelty, I shall regain my ordinary state. 



I have postponed writing until to-day, hoping that I 

 might hear from you again before starting, and thinking 

 that I might have something to reply. Any letter that ar- 

 rives from you shortly I expect will reach me in Italy, as I 

 am leaving directions to have all foreign letters sent on. 



NEW YORK, March 4, 1868. 



MY DEAR SPENCER : I have but recently returned from 

 a protracted absence in the West, where I at last broke 

 down from the exposure of travel in a remarkably inclem- 

 ent winter. I left a number of engagements unfulfilled, 

 and did not think to return again, but I am getting better, 

 and am strongly urged to return. If I go, it will take three 

 or four weeks. ... I shall not be able to give attention to 

 your books till I return from the West (if I go). I am now 

 closely occupied with Huxley's Physiology, which must be 

 attended to at once, as the competition against it is going 

 to be very sharp. I was somewhat disappointed at the 

 non-appearance of your new title, as 1 had fully made up 

 my mind that it would be a desirable thing. What about 

 your coming to this country ? Does the project begin to 

 take definite shape ? I shall be very glad to hear about it. 



