but the fault is in the horrid material I have to write with, bad steel pens, bad paper, bad table etc. We had Mr Taylor, Miss Taylor, your old rival Mr Taylor snr, Williams, Lt Gordon, Dr Fox and others here last night. The house was completely crowded so Gordon, Dr Fox and I went up to McDonell's where we had a tune on the bagpipes. Every Highlander is enchanted with the sound of the pipes but I confess although the music was good that I felt a combination of feelings that I cannot express, melancholy predominated and I almost wish I had not gone there although there was no noise or disorder in the place. The natives have not yet collected. I expect them in a day or two. The Taylors have gone on to Hadfield's wedding which takes place tomorrow. On my way up I dined with the bride. She expressed anxiety about the weather. The arrival of her fineries from Wellington on all which points I set her mind at rest. Park is sleeping near me as I am writing away. He sends his compliments but I imagine although he does not confess that he would like to send more than his compliments through you to Miss Hart. At any rate you may introduce the subject by giving her my kind regards, adding as much more as you like for Park. Did she shed a tear like my lassie when he turned up the Kaiwarra glens or