t so much that was new. I am glad to hear that the Queen has
been so kind to my friend Faraday; it seems she has given him an
apartment at Hampton Court nicely fitted up. She went to see it
herself, and having consulted scientific men as to the instruments
that were necessary for his pursuits, she had a laboratory fitted up
with them, and made him a present of the whole. That is doing things
handsomely, and no one since Newton has deserved it so much.

* * * * *

FROM MRS. SOMERVILLE TO W. GREIG, ESQ.

FLORENCE, _5th June, 1859_.

... All is perfectly quiet; a large body of French troops are now in
Tuscany, and many more are expected probably to make a diversion on
this side of the Austrian army through Modena; but nothing is known;
the most profound secrecy is maintained as to all military
movements. Success has hitherto attended the allied army, and the
greatest bravery has been shown. The enthusiasm among the men
engaged is excessive, the King of Sardinia himself the bravest of
the brave, but exposes himself so much that the people are making
petitions to him to be more careful. The Zouaves called out in the
midst of the battle, "Le roi est un Zouave!" Prince Napoleon keeps
very quiet, and avoids shewing himself as much as possible. The
French troops are very fine indeed--young, gay, extremely civil and
well bred. The secrecy is quite curious; even the colonels of the
regiments do not know where they may be sent till the order comes:
so all is conjecture.... The young King of Naples seems to follow
the footsteps of his father; I hope in God that we may not protect
and defend him. How anxious we are to know what the House of Commons
will do! Let us hope they will take the liberal side; but the
conservative party seems to be increasing.

* * * * *

FROM MRS. SOMERVILLE TO W. GREIG, ESQ.

FLORENCE, _22nd August, 1859_.

... Public affairs go on admirably. A few weeks ago the elections
took place of the members of the Tuscan parliament with a calm and
tranquillity of which you have no idea. Every proprietor who pays 15
pauls of taxes (75 pence) has a vote. There are 180 members,
consisting of the most ancient nobility, the richest proprietors,
the most distinguished physicians and lawyers, and the most
respectable merchants.