Yesterday we had our physiological picnic, starting in five boats, and taking tea on the river-bank near the old farmhouse. I took supper with the Sandersons, who had a party. The Victor Horsleys were at the picnic, and I have arranged that they will pay us a visit in October. It is very jolly living in this house, but it is well we are both good sleepers, the noise of traffic is so great, even the foot-passengers sound like burglars. But this will not affect the children in the other wing, and as for me, I could sleep if the carriages were driving through the rooms, with the burglars to boot. I have only time to write a very few lines, as I am now momentarily expecting to be called on to give my exposition before the Physiological Society,[73] which has mustered in considerable force, and is now being regaled by Horsley[74] and Gotch[75] while I am watching my plants which are coming on next. The dinner at Ch. Ch. yesterday was most enjoyable, though there were only four others besides myself at the high table. We had turtle soup and very good wine; is that good for gout? St. Aldate's: July 1, 1890. I have just come back from dinner. My next neighbour to-night was Liddon, and we had a long talk on the ethics of suicide regarded from the pre-Christian or purely 'secular' point of view. I also improved the occasion in the interests of ----. It was clearly a new light to Liddon that ---- should be so highly thought of by a man of science, and he appeared to have determined there and then to exert himself in getting a more suitable berth for 'a man now so greatly needed in the Church.' Oxford. Two bits of news. Dunstan[76] has a son and Liddon is seriously ill. Dr. John Ogle came yesterday afternoon from town to see him, and dined with us. There is great pain in the neck. I lunched with the Sandersons, or rather with Mrs. Sanderson, as the Professor did not leave his room, but he is getting on very well. Last night after dinner I looked in at the Poultons, and found them entertaining two Natural Science young ladies from Somerville Hall. A very agreeable party. Huxley is expected here this week. His article on 'Lux Mundi' is very characteristic.[77] It would be very enjoyable to go with you to Ober Ammergau, but I am sure I ought not. First, I should not enjoy it half so much as you; second, it would double the expense; third, it would run away with all the time I want to give to the book. So in this case what is sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander. I wish I had some jokes to treasure up, but Oxford is not a joke-yielding place at present; Geanies must be jubilation itself compared with Oxford now.