| Description | He received a letter from Herschel some time ago and was pleased to hear of him. He and Alick [Alexander Stewart Herschel] have finished at Cambridge; Alick is enjoying himself at home while Airy qualifies as a civil engineer, working at Ramsome's of Ipswich. He likes it despite it being hard work and he describes his workman's hours. He did poorly in his degree, while Alick was pleased with his. Airy has just returned from the continent where he had been with his father and Hubert [Airy] with the object of investigating the extinct volcanoes of France. Hubert is now in Cambridge on a scholarship and has joined a rifle club. The Great Eastern, or Leviathan, is almost ready for sailing and looks elegant with her masts up. He has heard little of John's doings from Alick and intends to write to him. He discusses news of William [William James Herschel] and Jimmy Stewart. Laurence is still at Clapham, wishing to cram boys for university and is coaching some of [Charles] Pritchard's pupils. Wilfrid and Alick travelled to the Isle of Wight during the summer to see Fitton, who has a curacy there. Airy notes the start of the grouse shooting season, which he hopes Herschel is taking advantage of. |