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Letters from Notcutt, sent from St John's College, to his mother, Mrs S.A. Notcutt.

Discusses a debate, the motion being a 'vote of confidence in the government', friends of the family also at Cambridge, his diet (including 'I eat as much breakfast as I can without getting sick'), advice and work he has been set for his chemistry studies, asks for advice on domestic matters and gives information on his lodgings.

Has been offered rooms in second court for £17 per year and £8 for gyp and bedmaker. Describes the rooms and notes that Ruskin believes that second court is 'the best one in Cambridge or Oxford'. Notes that dissecting a dogfish is not as difficult as dissecting a worm.

Graphically describes the boat races and the nature of the 'bumps'. Notes that Ditton is the most popular spot where people pay 3d to watch from a meadow. Describes a collision and the subsequent sinking of a boat. Notes all his lectures are over and so can concentrate on BSc work.

Gives thanks for a hamper and apologises for the expense incurred. Is disparaging about many of the men who get scholarships as they 'do nothing but work'. He will try to work seven hours a day and stay in good health. Has been to a Varsity sermon given by the Bishop of Manchester but thought it somewhat old fashioned. Discusses his finances and notes that he was given £3.12.6 to bring to Cambridge of which he has spent some on his County Cricket Club subscription. Discusses at length the fitting out of his rooms, including the cost of various items and the expense incurred by his gyp's requirements, something he is sure his mother will consider unnecessary. Has been engaged in work on blood which he has found most interesting.

Has been out running with the Hare and Hounds Club for a seven mile run, has been to a debate on a motion against the government which the Liberals won and is going to have to buy some expensive books.

Notes that his gyp told him that he was one of three men out of eight who had got up by 10.30 that morning. Mentions that he only has Sunday to do a lot of jobs. Gives thanks for the whist rules and notes that he is to have a whist party next Saturday. Gives news of the domestic jobs he has carried out. Has decided not to join the Hare and Hounds Club as he prefers football. Discusses news from home, including his mother's wisdom of getting a vegetarian lodger. Has finally found a tailor and will send patterns. Sends a list of his forthcoming lectures and also attaches a printed list of 'Mr Sedgwick's Elementary Lectures (Invertebrata)'.

Has played for St John's first eleven football team twice recently but has split his boot. Thinks it will be advisable to buy a proper pair of football boots. Discusses his recent visit to the tailor for his new suit and the purchase of some academic books. Notes the arrival of a new chair. Discusses news from home and asks for some knives to be sent as he finds it rather difficult to manage with the knives he has got if he has 'two or three men to breakfast'.

Believes that a game of football is the best way to combat his cold. Describes the crowds at the funeral of Henry Fawcett, which he attended. Notes that his football boots split again and he has bought a proper pair of boots at a cost of 16/s. Belives Hart to be the best Physics lecturer. Asks advice on firebricks for his stove and the price of doormats.

Discusses his efforts in recent examinations in Chemistry and Physics and details his future exam timetable. Notes that Cambridge is a different place with so few students left, and the Union is 'delightfully quiet'. Is unsure about attending the 'Batchelor's Ball' especially if the ladies attending consisted only of 'stippies'. Will consider a trip to Australia 'if it such a paying concern'.