INTRODUCTION IT T has been often remarked that few men above the age of eighty retain any activity of mind. Although I have long passed that age, I do not perceive that my mind, which was never active, is less so than it was. What is gradually failing me is memory, and if I am to relate a few incidents of my life, I must do so at once. I cannot attempt to write an autobiography, but merely to jot down some recollections which may be found of interest. It is curious how uncertain memory becomes at an advanced age. Whilst I remember a number of unimportant events, I find it difficult to call to mind the broad outlines of my life. I can, therefore, only offer a disconnected account of it, for which I crave the indulgence of any one who may be inclined to glance over these pages. It may be extended to me because the whole of these recollections have been written since I attained my eighty-sixth birthday, and because I possess no notes or journals to assist me, except those from which I have taken descriptions of Spain, India and Russia, which I wrote at the request of my uncle, the Duke of Devonshire. Moreover, no one is obliged to read my book, and if it bores any one, he has only himself to blame. I say to him,— I give thee all I can, no more, Though poor the offering be. If, then, asked why I publish it, I make the usual excuse-because my friends advise it, and I attach greater weight to their opinion than to my own. It may cause some disappointment that I scarcely ever refer to political events. As my brother was a statesman who played so distinguished a part during a great portion of the last century, and having lived in close intimacy with him during the whole of our joint lives, I may be expected to throw light on many occurrences which are still imperfectly known. But for two reasons I shall not attempt it. My first reason is because I cannot trust my treacherous memory to preserve me from falling into some inaccuracies which do not signify when I am relating social gossip, but which would be quite inexcusable when they are connected with political events. My second reason is that my brother's life is being written by Lord Edmond Fitz Maurice, and that he is better able than I am to describe the various political episodes which entered into Lord Granville's career. I may, however, say that it has been my good fortune on nearly every occasion to share my brother's political opinions, and to admire his conduct in public affairs. Because he had charming |