it.  But, my dear, in addition to these privileges, we weekly “sit under” the most energetic, quaint-looking, and dignified of Bishops—­who has a clear, soft, penetrating voice that rings down the Cathedral in the Absolution and Benediction, and who preaches such fine, able, practical, learned, and beautiful sermons—­as I really do not think Oxon, or Vaughan, or any of our great men much excel.  This would be nearly enough, even if one did not know him; but when we dined at Government House the other night—­rather to my surprise, I was sent in with him, and found him very amusing, and full of funny anecdotes of the province.  Since when we have rapidly become fast friends.  He is very musical, and when he and Rex get nobbling over the piano and organ—­there they stick!!  Rex is appointed supplementary organist, and to-morrow (being their Annual Festival) he is to play.  Last night we had a grand “practice” at the Bishop’s, and it felt wonderfully like home.  He has lots of books, and has put them at our disposal—­and, to crown all, has offered to teach us Hebrew if we will teach him German this winter.  His wife is very nice too....  She is a good practical doctor, kind without measure, and being a great admirer of Mother’s writings, has taken me under her wing—­to see that I do nothing contrary to the genius of the climate!  People are wonderfully kind here.  They really keep us in vegetables, and I have a lovely nosegay on my table at this moment.  There is a very pleasant Regiment (22nd) here, with a lovely band.  On my birthday Rex gave me Asa Gray’s Botany, a book on botany generally, and on North American plants in particular.  Some of the wild-flowers are lovely.  One (Pigeon Berry) [sketch] has a white flower amid largish leaves—­thus.  It grows about as large as wild anemone, in similar places and quantities.  When the flower falls the stamens develop into a thick bunch of berries, the size and colour of holly berries, only brighter brilliant scarlet, and patches of pine wood are covered with them.

My dear, you would like this place!  My best love to all your people.  Isabel’s fan could have no more appropriate field for its exhibition than summer here!  Adieu, beloved. (I say nothing about home news.  Z.’s affair bewilders me.  I am awfully anxious for news, but it’s useless talking at this distance.) (See Lamb’s Essay on Distant Correspondents in the Elia!!!!!)

Your ever loving,
J.H.  EWING.

TO MRS. GATTY.

Fredericton. September 21, 1867.

MY DEAREST MOTHER,