!!4 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY chap, vn 



with the worst-fitting doors and windows, and the hardest 

 chairs, sofas, and beds known to my experience." 

 He continues : — 



I am decidedly picking up. The air here is wonderful, and 

 as we can set good cookery against hard lying (I don't mean in 

 the Munchausen line) the consequent appetite becomes a mild 

 source of gratification. Also, I have not met with more than 

 two people who knew me, and that in my present state is a 

 negative gratification of the highest order. 



Later on he tried Bournemouth ; being no better, he 

 thought of an entirely new remedy. 



The only thing I am inclined to do is to write a book on 

 Miracles. I think it might do good and unload my biliary 

 system. 



In this state of indecision, so unnatural to him, he writes 

 to Sir M. Foster:— 



I am anything but clear as to the course I had best take 

 myself. While undoubtedly much better in general health, I 

 am in a curious state of discouragement, and I should like noth- 

 ing better than to remain buried here (Bournemouth) or any- 

 where else, out of the way of trouble and responsibility. It dis- 

 tresses me to think that I shall have to say something definite 

 about the Presidency at the meeting of Council in October. 



Finally on October 20, he writes : — 



I think the lowest point of my curve of ups and downs is 

 gradually rising — but I have by no means reached the point 

 when I can cheerfully face anything. I got over the Board of 

 Visitors (two hours and a half) better than I expected, but my 

 deafness was a horrid nuisance. 



I believe the strings of the old fiddle will tighten up a good 

 deal, if I abstain from attempting to play upon the instrument 

 at present — but that a few jigs now will probably ruin that 

 chance. 



But I will say my final word at our meeting next week. I 

 would rather step down from the chair than dribble out of it. 

 Even the devil is in the habit of departing with a " melodious 

 twang," and I like the precedent. 



So at the Anniversary meeting on November 30, he 

 definitely announced in his last Presidential address his 



