Got on splendidly to-day. Went solo all right. This type is much nicer to handle than the other, but you land faster owing to higher speed. This I managed so well that Sergeant ---- clapped his hands and said “Very good!” * * * * * The wind has been blowing. Ye gods! How it blew! Stopped bicycles going. Not one pilot flew. Up above--eighty-five! Down below it blew--well-- In this place dead ’n’ alive It is absolute ----! (Deleted by R.F.C. Censor as not being sufficiently expressive.) However, we attended a very boring lecture, and walked through slud and mush at drill time; so we have not done so badly. * * * * * Some poets say, As well they may, Congenial surroundings Conduce a lay With rhythm gay, And artful phrase compoundings With helpful muse To air their views On Nature’s grand aboundings. E’en so as joy and sorrow Do in cases bring forth tears (A simile to borrow), In this case it now appears _No_ sunshine sets the muse to work In humble little me; ’Tis wind, and rain, and fogs that lurk Drive _me_ to poesy. * * * * * Cleaning wires with emery paper is grand exercise, albeit a trifle monotonous. However, the pay (15_s._ 6_d._ a day) is good. And as we pass we hear the voice of R---- weeping for his pupils (which are not) and will not be comforted. * * * * * A most wonderful exhibition of flying by Hawker, Raynham, and Marix. * * * * * [Sidenote: First Cross-country Flight.]