This letter tells of the progress of the Portfolio papers called
_Picturesque Notes on Edinburgh_, and of preparations for the walking
tour narrated in _Travels with a Donkey_. The late Philip Gilbert
Hamerton, editor of the Portfolio and author of _A Painter's Camp in
the Highlands_ and of many well-known works on art, landscape, and
French social life, was at this time and for many years living at a
small chateau near Autun; and the visit here proposed was actually
paid and gave great pleasure alike to host and guest (see _P. G.
Hamerton, an Autobiography_, etc., p. 451).
_Monastier, September 1878._
MY DEAR MOTHER,--You must not expect to hear much from me for the next
two weeks; for I am near starting. Donkey purchased--a love--price, 65
francs and a glass of brandy. My route is all pretty well laid out; I
shall go near no town till I get to Alais. Remember, Poste Restante,
Alais, Gard. Greyfriars will be in October. You did not say whether you
liked September; you might tell me that at Alais. The other No.'s of
Edinburgh are: Parliament Close, Villa Quarters (which perhaps may not
appear), Calton Hill, Winter and New Year, and to the Pentland Hills.
'Tis a kind of book nobody would ever care to read; but none of the
young men could have done it better than I have, which is always a
consolation. I read _Inland Voyage_ the other day: what rubbish these
reviewers did talk! It is not badly written, thin, mildly cheery, and
strained. _Selon moi._ I mean to visit Hamerton on my return journey;
otherwise, I should come by sea from Marseilles. I am very well known
here now; indeed, quite a feature of the place.--Your affectionate son,