Monday, January 20th

Drew my first cheque on the bank for £30 to pay for the mare. Christened her 'Fanny'. Am delighted with her, having ridden her in the evening about half an hour. Henry was offered £32 for her and Griffin was asked if I would take £3 for the bargain. We got out a saddle and snaffle, put on a martingale, and she looked very smart up the street. Began a long letter home, disturbed by FitzGerald coming and bothering me for something for the paper; promised him a description of Oxford, but have my doubts of being able to do it well and truly. The boys and men engaged in building a stable behind the house for Fanny. Have serious thoughts of buying a cow and milking her, instead of paying for milk; it would only involve a railed-in place to drive her into for milking, and we might then have Novice with us. The hens lay good quantities of eggs—we had four today for breakfast. Mr Cass breakfasted with us. He has just got Captain Thomas's place. Cholmondeley's mare died today; her wound had mortified and threatened lockjaw, so they put an end to he sufferings. Cholmondeley started over the hill for Deans' sheep station. Took tea with Mr Godley and met Mr and Mrs Earle—quiet, sensible people.