Question of fuel--Saving of hundreds per cent.--Miss Nightingale’s indisposition--Mr. Upton--Who caught the rats?--Lots of acquaintances--A short cut--Arrive at head-quarters--General Della Marmora’s visit--Interview with Lord Raglan--Inspection of field-stove--Conversation--Model admired--Omer Pacha on army cookery--Valuable suggestions--Lord Raglan’s cook--Golding’s preserved meats--Various methods--Dr. Hall--The eccentric Louis--Dr. Cumming’s letter--French head-quarters--A flying visit--Fraternization--Ride home. On my return to our ship, I left my card at Colonel Hardinge’s. He kindly invited me to breakfast; and I regretted that I could not accept the invitation, having promised Colonel Steele to be at head-quarters at eleven o’clock. After a little business conversation respecting the arrival of the fuel, he gave me an estimate of the number of vessels required daily for that purpose alone, the number of men employed in loading and unloading the ships, the encumbrance it caused in the harbour, the room required for storing it, the number of mules for carrying it to the various camps, and the difficulty of distribution. “No one,” said he, “can imagine the immense quantity of labour that is required for keeping up the supplies of fuel.” “I am going to-day,” I remarked, “to see the Commander-in-chief; and I intend to submit a small model of my camp kitchen for his inspection.” In a few words I explained its principle, and stated the small quantity of fuel it would require. Colonel Hardinge remarked, “Why, you will save at least between three and four hundred per cent.; for it is not the cost of the coal or wood which is the principal item, but the labour, expense, and inconvenience of transport. All these will be greatly reduced.” “I am much obliged to you,” I said, “for your very encouraging remarks.” “Any more information you may require I shall at all times be happy to afford; and as you have no horses yet, whenever you want a pony, let me know.” “I feel grateful, Colonel, for your kind reception.” Crowds of people were waiting for an audience, yet I managed to escape. Balaklava House was indeed a palace compared with the rest of the Tartaric habitations. On arriving on board the _London_, I heard with regret that Miss Nightingale was indisposed. Mr. Bracebridge did not think it was anything very serious. Mrs. Roberts, Miss Nightingale’s head nurse, who always accompanied her and attended her during the voyage, informed me that Miss Nightingale was not going out, having much writing to do, it being post-day.