HOME LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE. 321 



Some shrubs rarely seen in England here form thickets, and 

 your magnolias {grandijlord) are forming good-sized trees and 

 flowering freely, but this they also do in Cornwall. 



What a row you made about the Atlantic Telegraph ! We 

 were much amused at your fervid excitement. Here every one 

 was certainly glad, and it formed a topic of pleasant con- 

 versation, but no one thought of illuminations. Now that it is 

 probable it may have to be laid afresh, it does not afflict the 

 public mind, though it disappoints and, no doubt, troubles the 

 shareholders. If another cable of greater calibre is laid, 

 perhaps the Great Eastern may be employed. It seems a 

 service for which she would be well fitted, if she were once 

 ready for sea. 



To Mrs. Gray. 



Plassy, Jan. 3rd, 1859. 

 It is full time that I should reply to your welcome letter 

 received early in December, and now January is growing apace, 

 a new year opening, and the snowdrops and crocuses making 

 busy preparation for their gala. We have as yet had neither 

 frost nor snow to disturb them, and so they have it all their own 

 way. The violets have not ceased blooming all the winter. I 

 thank you in advance for the new volume of Holmes's Poems, 

 which I have no doubt I shall enjoy. I read little modern 

 poetry, because the fashionable poets are so very high-flown, 

 smoky, and cloudy, that it is too much trouble to peer through 

 at their meaning. ... I must not conclude without a few words 

 for the "Old Folk" here, who remember you with affection. 

 They have borne their great affliction very patiently. I think 

 you will find some (perhaps much) of the " Memorial m interest- 

 ing, showing a depth and earnestness of piety with great simpli- 

 city, truthfulness, and love. To those who knew her of course 

 the effect is stronger, for it seems like hearing her own sweet 

 voice again. 



To Dr. Gray. 



Trinity College, January 27. 

 I am working at the rate of three hours a day at the Japan 

 Algee, and have made good progress. I am nearly through the 



1 Memorial of his niece, M. C. H., which he edited. 



Y 



