145 
ber on the South Western, I do hope with your assistance 
to make up a report by the time of the next meeting. 
In requesting your assistance I must confess I have some 
little misgivings. I think, but I may be wrong, that I have 
observed some faint appearance of an ugly monster which 
they call — which sometimes darkens the amiable and 
bright side of your character. You must however dispose 
of these impressions and deal honestly with me in all your 
thoughts. I can assure you you have nothing to fear from the 
quarter you seem to apprehend danger. I have neither the 
time nor the talent to trench upon your investigations as a 
mathematician and an experimentalist. I rejoice in your 
success in anything. I am never jealous of your power, and 
why deny to your friend and supporter a small share in the 
merits of a reputation which on many occasions he has 
endeavoured to extend and by every means in his power 
to perpetuate ? You must never look upon me as your 
competitor, but as your friend and fellow laborer in a 
totally different department of science. The time is going, 
and begging you will receive the assurance of my attached 
friendship and regard, 
I am yours affectionately, 
W. Fairbairn. 
Eaton Hodgkinson, Esq., 
British Association, 
Cork. 
P.S. — I have no time to reexamine what I have written, 
and must give it you with all its imperfections. 
Rider. 
I feel grateful for the close and continued attention you 
pay to the lads. In my hurried and anxious life I derive 
much consolation in the thought that my sons have so able 
and so willing a preceptor at hand ; I can ass ure you I am 
not insensible to the advantages the}^ must attain from your 
