erdonians. I dined on Friday last
with a young man, Fordyce, and yesterday with Mr J. Jopp. I
calculate I have about fifty fellow-citizens connected with law
here....

"_Wednesday, half-past two._--Just got my luggage--cost 8s. All
right, save that your jars have bolted, and played the very deuce
with some of my books, two waistcoats, and a pair of drawers.

"Hoping your cold is better, I remain, my dear mother, your
affectionate and dutiful son,

"J. HILL BURTON."

* * * * *

"11 KEIR STREET, EDINBURGH,
_20th Nov. 1830_.

"MY DEAR MOTHER,--I have scarcely an instant's time to say a word
or so in reply to yours.... It was not _one_ of the jars which
burst, but there was a general conspiracy among them all to slip
out at the side of the paper.

"I do not board for anything, just get in a little bit of meat or
anything I want, can take my own way, and am never annoyed. I
breakfasted and dined last Sunday with Mr H. Constable, who is a
very agreeable young fellow. He is the proprietor of the
Miscellany.[6] By the way, I find out that if I do not pass my
Civil Law trial before 1832 I shall be compelled to pay L50 to a
Widows' Fund. Too bad to make young fellows, who may never have a
_widow_ all their _lives_, pay so much. Determined, if I pay it, to
get a widow immediately....

[Footnote 6: Probably a mistake. He was the brother of the
proprietor.]

"Breakfasted to-day with the B.'s. At the theatre with Mellis day
before yesterday. I hope Mary continues better.--Your affectionate
son, J. HILL BURTON."

* * * * *

"11 KEIR STREET, EDINBURGH,
_1st Dec. 1830_.

"MY DEAR MOTHER,--I have got something to communicate with regard
to my prospects of entering the Faculty, which will not be of the
most agreeable nature. I was told from the proper authority (I have
already mentioned to you) that a Widows' Fund subscription is to be
charged against those who enter after 1st January 1832. I have
consulted the Act of Parliament, and find it is leviable against
those who enter after 1st January 1831. The last examination this
year will be on _Tuesday week_,--the last for passing which L50 and
an annual payment of L7 is not charged. Now for this examination I