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26

[[clipping]]
A NOTION.

[AFTER R. H. STODDARD.]
Through the night, through the night,
Very nearly undressed,
Robed in white, all in white,
Without breeches or vest,
Walks the connoisseur tall,
Staring up at the wall
Like a fright!

Through the night, through the night,
As the watchman goes by,
There in white, full in sight,
On a step-ladder high,
Stands the sage of The Age
Readjusting his Page
Just a mite!

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I think he is unwise. We sent him a note in reply to his telling him we found on inquiry that we had no power in the matter and that the hanging committee alone could select or reject pictures. I do not know what more we could do. Gifford is illogical. He claims the right to exhibit his pictures and yet does not avail himself of it. I shall be very sorry to have him become disaffected towards the Academy for there certainly is no reason why he should. He ought to know that we are working only for the best interests of the Academy and that he is one of the last men we would willingly offend. I went up to see Eastman Johnson last night. He thinks Giffords course unwise and unnecessary. His brother=in=law came in and we could not say much about it. Lucy went to Rondout today. She expects to leave for Arizona three weeks from today. She, Sara, Mrs. Sawyer, and Mrs. Davis lunched here. 

Friday March 26. 1875. Eastman Johnson spent the evening with us. He came down for a walk but as usual he did not get away until 11'oclock. He told a good story of Stone. Three or four of them were talking of the peculiarity which Grooms have of blowing or hissing about their work. After various theories had been advanced Stone "rose to explain" Said he "I presume it first came from their blowing away the dust - Its their "Shibboleth" Thats the idea" Old Mr Durand called to see me today. Says it has been a severe winter for him. They have had a great deal of snow and he has been kept in the house. He told me he is 79 years old. Says he would like to satisfy himself in the painting of one picture before he dies.

Sunday Apl 4. 1875. The weather has at last grown warmer and the rivers are breaking up although there is still ice in the streets of New York. I attended a gentlemens party at Mr. Robt. Gordons on Friday evening which was a very pleasant gathering. It is not often that men come