1S92 ILLNESS 283 



and also a London oculist, who have both examined 

 the e3"e and pronounce the sudden seizure to be one of 

 serous effusion upon the retina. It seems probable 

 that the impairment of vision will be permanent, and 

 so prevent all operative work where any delicacy is 

 required. The blindness is so complete, that if I 

 look about an inch below the electric light placed at a 

 distance of a very few yards, I am not able to per- 

 ceive any luminosity. Meanwhile, I have to wear 

 the darkest of possible goggles, and generally to live 

 the life of a blind man. Pe?' contra, this may prove 

 a blessing in disguise, as it compels me to abstain 

 from work for some considerable time to come, and 

 I had been advised to this course on account of the 

 headaches. How I am to spend the six months' 

 rest which is prescribed I have not yet determined. 

 Shooting will be probably out of the question, as I 

 cannot use the left eye in any form of recreation. 

 My idea is rather to go to Egypt and Palestine, to 

 take a voyage to the Cape, or in some other such 

 way to break my usual habits without altogether 

 wasting time. 



All the rest of the household are flourishing, and 

 -nith love to both, 



I remain yours ever the same, 



Geoege. 



In a day or two a second bhnd spot appeared, and 

 now the doctors took a very serious ^iew^of his case. 

 Life and sight alike were threatened, and instant 

 rest and quiet were ordered. For about three weeks 

 he remained in bed, until the extreme pulse tension 

 was reduced, and then it seemed as if hope might 



