The year commenced indeed with a very significant 

 tempest. . . . The greatest ruin is at my nephew Dy- 

 sart's at Ham, where five and thirty of the old elms are 

 blown down. I think it no loss, as I hope now one shall 

 see the river from the house. He never would cut a 

 twig to see the most beautiful scene upon earth. 



— HOHACE WaLPOLE to the COXXNTESS OF UpPER OsSOET, 



London, Jan. 3, 1779. 



