_C. O., July 10th_.--I am rather like a boy to whom some benevolent genius offers a basket of peaches, and who feels rather shy of taking the biggest of them; but, on the other hand, it would be a shabby return for great kindness to keep you in suspense. I, therefore, answer that, _sauf cause majeure_, we hope to be with you on the evening of Tuesday, August 11th. We shall probably go down to Aberdeen by sea, starting on Saturday, the 8th, if decent berths can be obtained, and I have sent to take them. If this fails we should start on Sunday evening by rail. I cannot express to you how delightful to me is the thought of the kind welcome of Skibo, and the fresh air of your hills, after a very long and laborious season. But I have still a month in the mill, and a huge list of causes to be disposed of. The 'Edinburgh' will be out on Thursday. You will find it very Scotch. The Journal notes:-- We went to Chichester, on a visit to Dr. McCarogher; and from there to Goodwood races. _August 8th_.--To Scotland by sea. Beached Skibo on the 11th. Shooting on the 12th with Sir Kenneth Mackenzie, Seaforth, and Dempster. _25th_.--To Brahan. Little old General Kmety there; very good fun; but he does not look a hero. _To Mr. Dempster_ _Brahan Castle, August 26th_.--We performed our pleasant but slow journey very well, and arrived at five P.M. The weather yesterday was the worst I have seen this year in Scotland. I declined to face the woods, but we got a walk by the Conan in a gleam of sunshine. However, the house and its collections, and their most amusing and hospitable owner, afforded us ample amusement. I am sorry, for my own sake, that this country is constantly gaining stronger claims on my affection and regard; for am I not born a dweller by our inglorious southern streams and downs? If, however, there be such a thing as transmigration hereafter, let me hope that I shall come out at last as a Highland laird. The Journal continues:-- _August 28th_.--To Invergarry, where we lunched with Mr. Peabody; and to Glenquoich--Ed. Ellice's. The Elchos, Sir F. and Lady Grey, and Lowe there. _31st_.--Excursion from Glenquoich to Loch Hourn. Then by Oban to Glasgow. Visit to the Belhavens at Wishaw, September 4th, and to Abington. Home on the 10th. _September 15th_.--Torry Hill. Shooting there for some days. _17th_.--Mr. Ellice died suddenly [Footnote: Of heart disease and eighty-two years. He was found dead in his bed.] at Ardochy, only a fortnight after we left his house. That excursion to Loch Hourn was his last. _To Mr. Dempster_