446 APPENDIX TO PART II

object is in the original a globe and cross; it is unnecessary I think, as from its size it must certainly be indistinguishable. By-the-bye, is it usual to see angels’ heads as completely turned (upside down) as every other couple of yours will be in the central light. I should have been disposed myself to reverse them in direction (rather than to treat them as if one were catching turtle) as at figure 2. Will you see if there is authority for the complete reverse? When visibly floating in air it is another thing; but I am afraid it will look a little awkward in a half circle.

My address will be for a fortnight after you receive this, Geneva, but I cannot receive my letters till the end of the time, as I shall be engaged in the valleys of the Monte Rosa, so you must not be surprised if I am long in answering. My Father and Mother join with me in kindest regards to yourself and all at Champion Hill. I am very sorry to leave all the trouble on your hands, while I am idling here.

I don’t understand what the Bishop has got to do with the pulpit of Herne Hill Church, or what objection he has to the Evangelists. It is very abominable. Our Bishops seem to prefer the profane to the Popish, and would admit into their cathedrals the statue of an actor rather than of an Apostle.

Ever most truly yours,

J. RUSKIN.

I hope to be home in about six weeks, unless I stop in Paris.

7

DIJON, 7th August.

DEAR OLDFIELD,-When I received your last letter, I had on my hands several which it was absolutely necessary I should dispatch, as they were to old friends to whom I had not sent a single line since my departure, and I was also taking advantage of every moment to finish the tasks I had set myself at Chamouni in the way of climbing, the heaviest of which I had reserved to the last, that I might be in better training for them, and therefore I was obliged to leave your important letter unanswered. In fact my head was so full of ice and chamois that I could not in any way bring it to bear on things artistical. I never spent so delightful a time in Switzerland, for by keeping myself in constant training, I was able at last to walk with the best guides and knock up all the bad ones; and so obtained access to some of the real arcana of the Alps. Last Saturday week I came upon a herd of thirty or more chamois, high on the Aiguille d’Argentière; a thing rare even in the memory of old guides. I am happy to find there are so many yet, as there was some fear of the race diminishing. I was away at Monte Rosa when your letter came,¹ which made further delay; but I hope the window has been going on. I quite agree with all your remarks; only one or two things we

¹ [For particulars of Ruskin’s excursions among the Alps in 1844, see Vol. III. pp. xxv.-xxvii., Vol. IV. pp. xxii., xxiii.]

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