now and again in
the most unlikely places. Bar that, the battle zone is a blasted
area, where the only difference between the seasons is noted by a
change of temperature and the transformation of mud into dust.
Meanwhile, I am having a very good time in billets; but I am
looking forward eagerly to a real scrap with the Boche.

Thanks so much for the "Perfect Wagnerite." It is a treat to read
about the "Ring" once more. I would give much to be able to hear
it again.

TO HIS BROTHER.

_May 25th, 1917._

Just a line to wish you the best of luck in the Matric, and to
express the hope that you will do really well. Put in all the
work you can right up to within twenty-four hours of the start of
the exam. and then take one day right off duty altogether. I am
certain you will do us all infinite credit.

As to the Pater's remark that my recent letters have lacked
detail, this is mainly due to the Censorship regulations, which I
personally like to observe in the spirit as well as in the
letter. Besides, a careless remark may be misconstrued, and it is
difficult to say one thing without disclosing others that ought
not to be revealed. Then there is the other consideration, that
if I write fully you may perhaps get the "wind up" about my
personal safety.

As regards photographs of myself, the regulations as to the
possession of cameras are very stringent, and I really haven't
the time or the inclination to go and get snapped by a civilian
photographer out here. Again, _entre nous_, I regard photographs
as trivialities--above all, those abominations "photos from the
Front." A man who is really at the Front has neither time nor
occasion to have photographs taken. No, if we must worry, let us
worry first about the things that _do_ matter.

I am frightfully sorry about the death of Felix Cohn. He was very
cheerful when I saw him. We met twice in a certain large town
which has of late figured prominently in the communiques. Our
talk was of Dulwich, the cases of Roederwald and Gropius, of
Wagner and music; and, of course, of the War itself. He had then
been "over the top" once, on the same day that I was. Felix said
that he had had an easy time, as his lot took about seven lines
of trenches in