n 101 small pages _The Complete Proof of Mr. R. L.
Stevenson's Incapacity to Write Verse_, in a series of graduated
examples with table of contents. I think I shall issue a companion
volume of exercises: "Analyse this poem. Collect and comminate the ugly
words. Distinguish and condemn the _chevilles_. State Mr. Stevenson's
faults of taste in regard to the measure. What reasons can you gather
from this example for your belief that Mr. S. is unable to write any
other measure?"

They look ghastly in the cold light of print; but there is something
nice in the little ragged regiment for all; the blackguards seem to me
to smile, to have a kind of childish treble note that sounds in my ears
freshly; not song, if you will, but a child's voice.

I was glad you enjoyed your visit to the States. Most Englishmen go
there with a confirmed design of patronage, as they go to France for
that matter; and patronage will not pay. Besides, in this year
of--grace, said I?--of disgrace, who should creep so low as an
Englishman? "It is not to be thought of that the flood"--ah, Wordsworth,
you would change your note were you alive to-day!

I am now a beastly householder, but have not yet entered on my domain.
When I do, the social revolution will probably cast me back upon my dung
heap. There is a person called Hyndman whose eye is on me; his step is
beHynd me as I go. I shall call my house Skerryvore when I get it:
SKERRYVORE: _c'est bon pour la poeshie_. I will conclude with my
favourite sentiment: "The world is too much with me."

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON,
_The Hermit of Skerryvore_,

Author of "John Vane Tempest: a Romance," "Herbert and Henrietta: or the
Nemesis of Sentiment," "The Life and Adventures of Colonel Bludyer
Fortescue," "Happy Homes and Hairy Faces," "A Pound of Feathers and a
Pound of Lead," part author of "Minn's Complete Capricious
Correspondent: a Manual of Natty, Natural, and Knowing Letters," and
editor of the "Poetical Remains of Samuel Burt Crabbe, known as the
melodious Bottle-Holder."

Uniform with the above:

"The Life and Remains of the Reverend Jacob Degray Squah," author of
"Heave-yo for the New Jerusalem," "A Box of Candles; or the Patent
Spiritual Safety Match," and "A Day with the Heavenly Harriers."

TO W. H. LOW

The "dedication" referred to was that of a forthcoming illustrated
edition of Keats's _Lamia_.

_Bonallie Towers, Bournemouth, March 13, 1885._

MY DE