LETTER TO FOSTER 



75 



I think we will be " Markishes," the lower grades are getting 

 common. 



June 27. — ... I had a long day's inspection of the Wharfe 

 yesterday, attended a meeting of the landed proprietors at Ottley 

 to tell them what they must do if they would get salmon up 

 their river. . . . 



I shall leave here to-morrow morning, go on to Skipton, 

 whence seven or eight miles' drive will take me to Linton where 

 there is an obstruction in the river I want to see. In the after- 

 noon I shall come home from Skipton, but I don't know exactly 

 by what train. As far as I see, I ought to be home by about 

 10.30, and you may have something light for supper, as the 

 " course of true feeding is not likely to run smooth " — to- 

 morrow. 



In August he went again to the corner of Surrey which 

 he had enjoyed so much the year before. Here, in the 

 intervals of suffering under the hands of the dentist, he 

 worked at preparing a new edition of the Elementary 

 Physiology with Sir M. Foster, alternating with fresh 

 studies in critical theology. 



The following letters reflect his occupations at this time, 

 together with his desire, strongly combated by his friend, of 

 resigning the Presidency of the Royal Society immediately. 



Highcroft House, Milford, 



GODALMING, Aug. 9, 1884. 



My dear Foster — I had to go up to town on Friday, and 

 yesterday I went and had all my remaining teeth out, and came 

 down here again with a shrewd suspicion that I was really drunk 

 and incapable, however respectable I might look outwardly. 

 At present I can't eat at all, and / can't smoke with any comfort. 

 For once I don't mind using italics. 



Item. — I send the two cuts. 



Heaven be praised ! I had brought down no copy of Physi- 

 ology with me, so could not attend to your proof. Got it yester- 

 day, so I am now at your mercy. 



But I have gone over the proofs now, and send you a deuce 

 of a lot of suggestions. 



Just think over additions to smell and taste to bring these 

 into harmony. • 



The Saints salute you. I am principally occupied in study- 

 ing the Gospels. — Ever yours, T. H. Huxley. 



