We went over to Brixham yesterday to hold an inquiry, getting back here to an eight o’clock or nearer nine dinner...Dalhousie has discovered that the officer now in command of the “Britannia” is somebody whom he does not know, so we gave up going to Dartmouth and agreed to have a lazy day here.  It is the most exquisite summer weather you can imagine, and I have been basking in the sun all the morning and dreamily looking over the view of the lovely bay which is looking its best—­but take it all round it does not come up to Lynton.  Dalhousie is more likeable than ever, and I am just going out for a stroll with him.

June 24.

I left Keswick this morning for Cockermouth, took the chair at my meeting punctually at twelve, sat six mortal hours listening to evidence, nine-tenths of which was superfluous—­and turning my lawyer faculty to account in sifting the grains of fact out of the other tenth.

June 25, Leeds.

...We had a long drive to a village called Harewood on the Wharfe.  There is a big Lord lives there—­Earl of Harewood—­and he and his ancestors must have taken great care of their tenants, for the labourers’ houses are the best I ever saw...I cut out the enclosed from the “Standard” the other day to amuse you, but have forgotten to send it before [Apparently announcing that he was about to accept a title.  I have not been able to trace the paragraph.] I think we will be “Markishes,” the lower grades are getting common.

June 27.

...I had a long day’s inspection of the Wharfe yesterday, attended a meeting of the landed proprietors at Ottley to tell them what they must do if they would get salmon up their river...

I shall leave here to-morrow morning, go on to Skipton, whence seven or eight miles’ drive will take me to Linton where there is an obstruction in the river I want to see.  In the afternoon I shall come home from Skipton, but I don’t know exactly by what train.  As far as I see, I ought to be home by about 10.30, and you may have something light for supper, as the “course of true feeding is not likely to run smooth”—­to-morrow.

[In August he went again to the corner of Surrey which he had enjoyed so much the year before.  Here, in the intervals of suffering under the hands of the dentist, he worked at preparing a new edition of the “Elementary Physiology” with Sir M. Foster, alternating with fresh studies in critical theology.

The following letters reflect his occupations at this time, together with his desire, strongly combated by his friend, of resigning the Presidency of the Royal Society immediately.]

Highcroft House, Milford, Godalming, August 9, 1884.

My dear Foster,

I had to go up to town on Friday, and yesterday I went and had all my remaining teeth out, and came down here again with a shrewd suspicion that I was really drunk and incapable, however respectable I might look outwardly.  At present I can’t eat at all, and I can’t smoke with any comfort.  For once I don’t mind using italics.