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OCR Rendition - approximate
Lehrjahre and Wanderjahre 169 conclude that Cayley did his duty on the occasion. A draft programme prepared on a rough piece of paper by Francis Galton, giving the names of the guests, the dances -and music, the supper menu (somewhat substantial), the flower decorations, the directions-" many candles," " polish the coffee pot," "pins, needle and thread, and looking glass," etc., showing how completely and carefully he provided for all contingencies, has survived to the present day. It was wrapped round some fishing hooks and flies, and enclosed with a piece of ribbon worn at the Highland wedding of Margaret Carmichael, described in the letter below. ABERFELDY, Monday [Aug. 1, 1842]. MY DEAR FATHER, We are enjoying ourselves very much at Aberfeldy, there is unfortunately much monotony in the walks, as the village is situated on the side of a broad strath through which runs the Tay, and itself formed by high barren moorlands. We have just witnessed a true Highland wedding, and absolutely danced with only 11- hours altogether intermission from 3 in the afternoon till 4 the next morning. I myself was pretty considerably knocked up, but several of the villagers did not go, to bed at all and really did not seem much the worse for it the next day. The Scotch reels are great fun, for after every one is ready and before the reel is played, a particular squeak is given on the fiddle and every one kisses his partner, and if they are obstreperous there is a fine chase and scramble. We are really very much liked at Aberfeldy, and have been huzza'ed more than once as we walked up the town. When we were invited to the wedding, we each subscribed 2 shillings and so bought the bride a very good looking tea tray, 2 jolly brass candlesticks and snuffers, which overwhelmed the lady. The Scotch air has done wonders for my general health, but my head scarcely improves. I have been able to do but little reading since I have been here and altogether am very low about myself Lady Menzies has been most kind to me and other neighbouring residents have been exceedingly hospitable to the party. Will Bessy thank Mrs Cameron for the note of introduction when next she sees her. Goodbye, Your affectionate son, FRAS. GALTON. The next letter is from Edinburgh after the reading party had. broken up EDINBURGH, THE QUEEN'S HOTEL [Sept. 14, 1842]. MY DEAR FATHER, I left Aberfeldy very early yesterday morning with Eben Kay' and went thro' Crieff and Stirling to Edinbro', really quite sorry to part with the Highlands. We left in high feather, knowing every family well in the Strath, some of them intimately and altogether have, I really think, left a very good name for Cambridge. Our ball went off superbly. I wrote a description of it to Emma who has possibly forwarded it on to ' Afterwards Justice of Appeal ; Joseph Kay was the "Travelling Bachelor" who wrote on education and challenged Whewell. He was later a Q.C. P. G. 22
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