May 26 /[18]94.
THE CAMP, Sunningdale.
Dearest Grace Thank you for your Siena letter. I hope that you saw the fine Sodoma Frescoes in the Town Hall (I forget its name); I well remember the Guido which you mention. The country around must have looked very different from what it was when I was there, and when, from drought I suppose, all was of a rusty brown color[sic], "burnt Siena" in fact. We were a very short time in Bologna and I did not care much about anything that I saw there. The leaning towers are hideous disfigurements. There are, however, some good pictures to be seen. I envy you at Ravenna, which is quite the most interesting place for its size I ever was in. I hope you "read up" all the places before and after seeing them. When at Venice do not fail to go to Torcello. I will make you a present of the boating thither, or of your share of it if you accompany others. Observe there the position of the Episcopal throne, and seats of the Church dignitaries. Did I tell you of our visit to Norwich, and the magnificence of its restored Cathedral? [W]here the Dean has placed the Archiepiscopal throne behind the Altar (as in Torcello) with seats on each side for the principal Clergy. Also pray admire the St Barbara in a church with an outlandish name; it is a portrait of one of Palma's daughters, if I remember aright, a right queenly beauty. I hope that you will get your fortnight out at Venice, there is

so much to see there. I think that Titian's Presentation in the Temple, with the Christ going up the steps is the finest picture I ever saw, quite fascinating. Mrs Gray gloated over it. You will be sorry to hear of Mr Hodgson's death. He was taken ill immediately after his arrival, and died within a week in Holloway's Hotel, Dover St. I saw him the day before, he knew me and greeted me most affectionately. Mamma and I go to the funeral. We go to Gloucester today (Sunday), sleep there, and go on to Alderley on the Monday, when he will be buried alongside his first wife. We cannot return till Tuesday, we shall sleep at Alderley. Mina is here, and Carey Hooker. Charlie*2 has been suffering from an immense boil on his leg, giving him great pain, especially with his long journeys, but he is I hope all right again. His practice must be increasing as he had one patient 12 miles off and another 15! This augurs a reputation at any rate; and he is giving up a poorly paid Club. The "Pension Suisse" I took your Mother to some 30 years ago is opposite the great domed church of St Angelo? at the mouth of the Grand Canal; the "Hotel de Rome" is an additional name. Also Mater and I went there with the Grays; it was then being enlarged and is no doubt a big place now. It was a very small affair when I first staid[sic] in it. If my friend, Sir Austin Layard*3 is in Venice and you could manage to see him I should be glad. He is a most kind and agreeable man, and a very old friend of mine -- at one time was First Commissioner of Works for a year. He it is who revived the Glass

works at Marocco, and got the trade wit in Venetian Glass with London. He was Ambassador in Spain and Turkey. Lady L. is very nice and quiet. He has often asked me to stay with him in Venice[.] Ever your affectionate father, | Jos.D.Hooker.