Stuk 39 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Julian Trevelyan

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c/o A[ubrey] Waterfield, La Fortezza, Aulla, Massa Carrarra, Italy. - Originally enclosing some 'little bits of mineral' in some newspaper, and asks Julian to guess what it is. Describes the 'big sala' in which he is writing, with measurements and sketches, especially the roof. Tells a story about Hannibal's 'last but one elephant' escaping and laying his bones near where the castle of Olivola now is, by coincidence, near the spot where a fossilised mastodon is now being dug up. The restaurant keeper has 'three large bits of his tusk, and two molars'; a piece which had chipped off is what he now sends to Julian. Sketches the grain of the ivory, still visible and 'very beautiful'. They are waiting for an expert to come to unearth the rest. Hears that the St[urge] Moores are staying at the Shiffolds with Elizabeth. Must now go and try to finish his play "Cheiron". Will probably come home early in March; may go to the Netherlands with Julian and Elizabeth, but has not yet decided.