Dora Best painting a portrait of ARW, possibly for sending to the Royal Academy; no more news about the Beaconsfield affair except that Prof Barrett and Dr Abraham Wallace will join it; William's sister Violet and May Swinton leaving tomorrow; beginning work on new edition of Wonderful Century; Mr Casey's latest enigma; reading Julie.

Work on new edition of Wonderful Century, will leave chapter on electricity until last; answer to latest (newspaper) enigma; watch repairs; William's holiday and Fellowship dinner (in America); winter weather; plot and character in The Prisoner of Zenda and Rupert of Hentza [sic, for Hentzau. Both by Anthony Hope].

No summary available.

Writing new edition [of Wonderful Century] with instructions for William in correction of MS; chapters on electricity; transmission of power, Niagara falls; Clerk-Maxwell theory; electric light; will send chapters on Radiation and Chemistry to a Mr Garnett who pointed out errors in first edition; new chapters to be written on astronomy including cosmic theory; unable to find a good [wood]cut of an early post-chaise with postillion, can William help; no need to send MS to Mac if a suitable expert in Newcastle.

No summary available.

William's proposed visit during his holidays; ARW working since Christmas on new editions of Wonderful Century, Darwinism, and Island Life the latter requiring much correspondence to correct lists of flora and fauna; also working on a Wonderful Century reader, trouble with illustrations; has also been looking at estates and feels one between Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead suitable, Mr Swinton to see it tomorrow; Rose (Mitten) and Grandpa (William Mitten) staying, visiting the Caseys; Rose's health; encloses I.L.P. News containing ARW's article on Tolstoy, sorry to hear Tolstoy ill.

Sherlock Holmes story serialised in Strand (Magazine), thanks William for part 2, speculates on development of plot; now looking for houses nearby, [Bingo] has been looking on his behalf; recovering from recent ill-health.

Decision to buy 3 acres of land for £500 at Broadstone, Dorset, and build there, giving detailed descriptions of locality, soil, trees in old orchard, and views of Poole harbour and the Purbeck hills, enclosing a sketch plan (not present - possiblyWP1/1/118, 121 or 123); former Broadstone resident Miss Broughton has recommended a gardener and labourer; plans to build a road and wire fence, begin a garden immediately and start building in spring; promises to send plans of house soon.

Insurance, with instructions for applying for a birth certificate; enclosing ground plan of property (at Broadstone) - not present, possibly WP1/1/120; describing plans to build a house including 5 bedrooms and a study, larger than needed but for the future benefit of William and his sister Violet, description of other rooms, proposed gabling and windows, use of perforated zinc over hollow walls and site of hot water storage tank; proposes a picnic in the grounds at Christmas if William can visit; has been surveying the land; reckons cost of house at £1000; discusses possibility of selling "Nutwood Cottage" (at Godalming) to current tenant vs. selling Parkstone house; asks for comments on plans as working drawings soon to be made; sorry William's séance did not go well; asks him to bring an air-rifle to shoot rabbits or stray pheasants at Christmas, ordinary rifle might attract game-keepers.

Near completion of purchase of (Broadstone) property, road making, fencing and gardening can now begin; Carter's head builder to draw up preliminary house plans; ARW expects definite offer for "Nutwood" (Cottage, Godalming) next week and will also put up "For Sale" sign at Parkstone house; has designed two gates on proper mechanical principles; if work slack at William's firm after Christmas he might take leave and supervise "Ellerslie" [proposed name for new house]; Sends tracing of upper floor plan (not present) and rough tracing of Ordnance map showing ground and access from Poole road.

Alteration of a closet [in the newly purchased property "Old Orchard"] to create a deep window sill for plants, enclosing tracing, alterations to ground-plan of house with details; inspection of "Old Orchard" with aunt Flora; details of garden; engagement of a gardener and men to make road and fence; builder Mr Curtis, Carter's head manager, lent to advise on design and building; hopes working drawings ready by Christmas; details of plans for sub-contracting, payment, and suppliers of materials.

Water supply and surveying road to cottage, possible purchase of more land adjoining, enclosing tracings of Mr Donkin's building plans (not present).

Adoption of William's suggested alterations to house plans, architect Mr Donkin recommends a cheaper substitute for plaster; wooden ceilings; plan and elevations to be ready before Christmas; letter from Mac written from ship bound for South Africa; ARW recovering from bronchitis; plans to sink a well as connection to mains water expensive; over one thousand trees and shrubs including roses, filberts, cherries, apples and rhododendrons bought at nursery sale, some for as little as 3 pence.

Musical alarm clock for William, water supply to house, architect's plans; Christmas gifts.