buildings, all conspired to make the place a delight and a fascination.  The library of Trinity College, with its rows of busts by Roubiliac and Woolner, is a truly noble hall.  But beyond, above all the rest, the remembrance of King’s College Chapel, with its audacious and richly wrought roof and its wide and lofty windows, glowing with old devices in colors which are ever fresh, as if just from the furnace, holds the first place in my gallery of Cambridge recollections.

I cannot do justice to the hospitalities which were bestowed upon us in Cambridge.  Professor and Mrs. Macalister, aided by Dr. Donald Macalister, did all that thoughtful hosts could do to make us feel at home.  In the afternoon the ladies took tea at Mr. Oscar Browning’s.  In the evening we went to a large dinner at the invitation of the Vice-Chancellor.  Many little points which I should not have thought of are mentioned in A——­’s diary.  I take the following extract from it, toning down its vivacity more nearly to my own standard:—­

“Twenty were there.  The Master of St. John’s took me in, and the Vice-Chancellor was on the other side....  The Vice-Chancellor rose and returned thanks after the meats and before the sweets, as usual.  I have now got used to this proceeding, which strikes me as extraordinary.  Everywhere here in Cambridge, and the same in Oxford, I believe, they say grace and give thanks.  A gilded ewer and flat basin were passed, with water in the basin to wash with, and we all took our turn at the bath!  Next to this came the course with the finger-bowls!...  Why two baths?”

On Friday, the 18th, I went to a breakfast at the Combination Room, at which about fifty gentlemen were present, Dr. Sandys taking the chair.  After the more serious business of the morning’s repast was over, Dr. Macalister, at the call of the chairman, arose, and proposed my welfare in a very complimentary way.  I of course had to respond, and I did so in the words which came of their own accord to my lips.  After my unpremeditated answer, which was kindly received, a young gentleman of the university, Mr. Heitland, read a short poem, of which the following is the title:—­

LINES OF GREETING TO DR. OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES.

AT BREAKFAST IN COMBINATION ROOM, ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE,
ENGLAND.

I wish I dared quote more than the last two verses of these lines, which seemed to me, not unused to giving and receiving complimentary tributes, singularly happy, and were so considered by all who heard them.  I think I may venture to give the two verses referred to:—­

  “By all sweet memory of the saints and sages
    Who wrought among us in the days of yore;
  By youths who, turning now life’s early pages,
    Ripen to match the worthies gone before: 

  “On us, O son of England’s greatest daughter,
    A kindly word from heart and tongue bestow;
  Then chase the sunsets o’er the western water,
    And bear our blessing with you as you go.”