Foxholes, April 17th.—I see the 'Athenaeum' complains that I did not correct all Vitzthum's mistakes and rearrange his book; but that is more than I undertook to do. We did correct a good many mistakes, natural enough in a foreigner; but I do not hold myself responsible for his facts or his opinions.
April 22nd.—I know more about M. Barthélemy St.-Hilaire's book on India than any other Englishman, for I revised and corrected the proof-sheets for him. A French writer on the subject was sure to make blunders. The book is most valuable to foreigners, for it is a perfectly fair account of the British administration of India; but it would be entirely useless in this country, inasmuch as it is a mere compilation from well-known English documents. I think, therefore, that a translation into English would be a work of supererogation and a failure.
Journal
April 30th.—Dined at the Royal Academy dinner.
May 9th.—Great Unionist meeting at Winchester.
28th.—Barthélemy St.-Hilaire came to Foxholes on a visit.
June 10th.—Dined with the Duc d'Aumale, Moncorvo House. Electric light.
15th.—Dined at the Middle Temple. Grand day; Prince of Wales in the chair.
18th.—Dined with the Lord Mayor. Literature, Science, and Art.
21st.—Celebration of the Jubilee. Splendid day.