orps of little gardeners, and under Harry's orders make the best that
can be made of that neglected bit of earth, I think you and I should
enjoy hearing of it.

I told a Cambridge man yesterday that he had been clever enough to put
into a shilling pamphlet all the mistakes of his generation.

* * * * *

_27th November, 1886._

For once, I have a birthday stone for you, a little worth your having,
and a little gladsome to me in the giving. It is blue like the air
that you were born into, and always live in. It is as deep as
gentians, and has their gleams of green in it, and it is precious all
through within and without, as Susie herself is. Many and many returns
of all the birthdays that have gone away, and crowds yet of those that
never were here before.

* * * * *

MISCELLANEOUS.

* * * * *

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD,
_24th December, 1877_.

This is just for Christmas love, and I'm quite well and up to work
this morning, and the first thing I opened here was St. Ursula from
Mr. Gould--and I hope the darling will be with me and you and him, and
all good lovers and laborers everywhere. Love to Mary. Also to the
servants. Also to the birds. If any mice are about--also to them,--and
in a hush-a-bye to the Squirrels--wherever they are.

* * * * *

BRANTWOOD.

This reminiscence of birds--entirely delightful--puts me on a thought
of better work that you can do for me than even the Shakespeare notes.
Each day, when you are in spirits,--never as an effort, sit down and
tell me--as in this morning's note--whatever you remember about
birds--going back to very childhood--and just chatting on, about all
you have seen of them and done for them.

You will make a little book as delightful--nay, much more delightful
than White of Selborne--and you will feel a satisfaction in the
experience of your real knowledge--power of observation--and loving
sentiment, in a way to make them even more exemplary and helpful.

Now don't say you can't--but begin directly to-morrow morning.

* * * * *

BRANTWOOD, 1880.

What am I about all this while?

Well--I wake every morning at four--can'