Two reported discoveries.  One, that the blaeberry shrub contains the tanning quality as four to one compared to the oak—­which may be of great importance, as it grows so commonly on our moors.

The other, that the cutting of an apple-tree, or other fruit-tree, may be preserved by sticking it into a potato and planting both together.  Curious, if true.

June 29 [Edinburgh].—­We dined together at Blair-Adam, having walked in the woods in the morning, and seen a beautiful new walk made through the woody hill behind the house.  In a fine evening, after an early dinner, our party returned to Edinburgh, and there each dispersed to his several home and resting-place.  I had the pleasure of finding my family all well, except Johnnie.

June 30.—­After my short sniff of country air, here am I again at the receipt of custom.  The sale with Longman & Co., for stock and copyrights of my [Poetical] Works, is completed, for L7000, at dates from twelve to thirty-six months.  There are many sets out of which we may be able to clear the money, and then we shall make something to clear the copyright.  I am sure this may be done, and that the bargain will prove a good one in the long run.

Dined at home with my family, whom, as they disperse to-morrow, I have dedicated the evening to.

FOOTNOTES: 

[328] The first volume had just been issued with a dedication to the King.  The series was completed in 48 vols., published at the beginning of each month, between 1829-33, and the circulation went on increasing until it reached 35,000 monthly.

[329] Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, which stood at that time in Shakespeare Square, the site of the present General Post-Office.

[330] Mr. Lockhart remarks that, besides the usual allowance of rheumatism, and other lesser ailments, Sir Walter had an attack that season of a nature which gave his family great alarm, and which for some days he himself regarded with the darkest prognostications.  After some weeks, during which he complained of headache and nervous irritation, certain haemorrhages indicated the sort of relief required, and he obtained it from copious cupping.—­Life, vol. ix. p. 327-8.

[331] See infra, p. 299.

[332] The Beaux’s Stratagem, Farquhar.

[333] Through the courtesy of Miss Dick Lauder I am enabled to give the letter referred to:—­

“My DEAR SIR THOMAS,—­I received your kind letter and interesting communication yesterday, and hasten to reply.  I am ashamed of the limited hospitality I was able to offer Mr. Lauder, but circumstances permitted me no more.  I was much pleased with his lively and intelligent manners, and hope he will live to be a comfort and a credit to Lady Lauder and you.