Reliable account, from one of his labourers, of a hedgehog sucking udder of a cow, who 30 years ago whilst walking to work at 4 in the morning saw a cow stand up and a hedgehog fall from its udder. [Thomas] Bewick [(1753-1828), ornithologist] does not comment on this disposition whilst [Thomas] Pennant argues against it on account of smallness of the hedgehog's mouth; will ascertain this by measuring.

Feelings increasingly frail in mind and body, especially his legs, and has not been angling or worked in his workshop for sometime, and last year's shooting ended his sporting life. Received Banksian medal from Horticultural Society for his Green Egyptian melons. His son and daughter-in-law are creating a flower garden in the wood.