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Reports that he has been very busy in relation to the vacant [Knightbridge] professorship; considers becoming a candidate himself, but does not think that he has much chance of being successful, and believes that if he puts himself forward he may harm the chances of another man [J. H. Stirling] who he believes has more claim to it. Was shocked at Maurice's death. Reports that he has been travelling about a lot since the end of the previous term; has been to Bournemouth, stayed with the Pauls at Bailie, and also at Freshwater, where he 'smoked a pipe with the Laureate'. Declares that Tennyson was 'exceedingly kind', and that he and Symonds 'had a most interesting conversation with him. Adds that Miss Thackeray was also there, 'most delightful of authoresses'. Hopes to go to Rugby on the Saturday of the following week. Reports that he has just seen Robertson, who is going to Harrow, 'but with eyes halfregretful fixed on Rugby'. Asks to be remembered to the Temples.

Remarks on the fact that Myers has had 'recourse to the strong stimulant of the Sensation Novel', and urges him 'to continue the Tale of the Fair Tasmanian, at least for one more chapter.' Reports that he has been waiting to hear from his candidate Stirling, 'who is apparently hesitating' because, Sidgwick suspects, 'the pay is too small to tempt him. [Note in Myers' hand relates that Stirling is 'the man whom H.S. thought fittest to be Professor of Moral Philosophy at Cambridge' for which Myers urged Sidgwick himself to stand]. If Stirling's case is hopeless he himself 'shall probably stand'. Believes that Venn should be given the post 'if Stirling is out of the question'. Discusses Venn's and his own relative merits in relation to the post.

Declares that he shall probably leave Cambridge if either Venn or Pearson is elected, as he wishes to concentrate himself on 'Practical Philosophy', and they would both be active in that sphere; cannot make up his mind whether he wants to stay or not.. Refers to his interview with the [Poet] Laureate, who impressed him by his 'great kindliness and simplicity, also his sensitiveness to the opinion of inferior creatures like Simcoxes male and female.' [Note in Myers' hand explains that Sidgwick refers to G.A. Simcox and his sister]. Relates that he attempted to flatter the poet by comparing him to Milton, and that Tennyson 'insisted that the blank verse of Keats and Shelley was good in it's [sic] way'. Remarks that he does not think Mrs Cameron suits Tennyson, 'though he is amused with her. Announces that he must turn to his female correspondence.

Discusses the candidates for the [Knightbridge] Professorship of Moral Philosophy: himself, Venn and Stirling, stating that the latter is his choice over Venn. Considers the advantages of his not standing, in order to improve Stirling's chances of obtaining the post. Asks if Myers told him 'to address Windsor Castle', and asks him to pardon his negligence. [Note in Myers' hand explains that the reference to Windsor Castle relates to the fact that Myers had written to Sidgwick from there 'on the paper belonging to the place'].

Announces that Stirling is not to stand [for the post of Knightsbridge Professor of Moral Philosophy], and that therefore he shall; predicts that if either Venn or Pearson are elected, his days in Cambridge 'will be brief', if he can believe 'sufficiently' in himself or his work - 'Otherwise Cambridge is a comfortable hospital for maimed intellects and carrières manquées'.

Tells Myers to write and give him 'the next chapter of the romance.' [Note in Myers' hand suggests that this could be a reference to The Fair Tasmanian ]. Reports that '[p]oor Jebb is in influenza in Ireland.' Reports that Miss Thackeray was very hospitable to them at Freshwater, and describes how she acted in her role as hostess. Adds that 'as the immortal Swinburne said to [him], a man's Best is his real Self and it is only a Philistine who judges him by anything else'.

Notes by Katherine Frazer in her hand and a draft in J. G. Frazer's hand of 'Sutherlandshire Folk-Lore' for 'Notes and Queries' in 'The Folk-Lore Journal', vol. 7, no. 1 (1889), detailing customs and beliefs as told to Katherine Frazer by her servant Isabella Ross. Accompanied by a cutting headed 'The Edinburgh Gifford Lectures' summarising the first Gifford Lecture, given by Dr Hutchison Stirling.