ly inhabitants of the field."

Unfortunately the British people do bear a strong resemblance to
great cattle, and it requires a Lloyd George to awaken the
sleeping animals and galvanise them into movement.

Recently I got hold of a volume of de Musset. There is some
beautiful verse in it, especially the "Ode to Lamartine," in
which he has a great tribute to Byron.

Could you send me out the programme of the coming Promenade
Concert season? I would give anything to hear Wagner and
Beethoven once more. My allegiance to these giants, as to
Shakespeare and Milton, grows stronger every day. The appalling
tawdry trash that passes for music nowadays, and the degradation
of art and literature which seems to be the feature of the
twentieth century, intensify my loyalty to great musicians and
noble writers. What is the cause of this decadence? There is
surely enough inspiration for genius in this colossal war, when
every day the spirit of man is winning new triumphs and deeds of
extraordinary heroism are being performed.

IN THE SOMME BATTLEFIELD

In August, 1916, Paul Jones was relieved of his uncongenial duties
with the Supply Column and appointed to command an ammunition
working-party located at an advanced railhead in the terrain of the
Somme battles.

_August 21st, 1916._

I am delighted to tell you that I have been temporarily posted to
a job of real interest and responsibility, having been given the
command of a working-party composed of infantry, artillery, and
A.S.C. men, whose function it is to load and unload ammunition at
an important railhead not far from the Front. We are about 150 in
all, and a very happy family. We live in tents and work under the
orders of the Railhead Ordnance authorities. There is a vast
amount of work, and it goes on continuously, at present from 4
A.M. to 9 P.M. daily, and sometimes throughout the night as well.
It is a revelation to see the immense quantities of explosives,
etc., that are sent up. I have nothing further to report about
the R.F.A. transfer, but my C.O. has assured me that if my
application is not successful I shall be able to return shortly
to the Cavalry Brigade in my old capacity as Requisitioning
Officer.

This working ammunition-party of which I am in co