This, I believe, is considered as the shortest day of the year. The sunlight lasts from 8.6 in the morning to 3.51 in the afternoon, that is seven hours and three quarters. If the day be cloudy, which happens three times out four at this season, at least one hour and half more must be deducted. The gale of wind which has blown steadily for two night and two days continued with great violence until night. I attended Divine service, at the Chapel, with Mary and Brooks, the latter of whom has come from school for the Christmas Vacation. Mr Martineau preached a sermon which made no impression upon me at all. Afternoon, visits from Sir Gore Ouseley and Mr Senior. The latter quite full of a visit from Mr Hume, the spiritualist, who magnetized his chairs and tables, and knocked out trivial messages. A long walk, after which we had to dine with us Mr Morse, and Mr Matson again. The former is quite in bad health. Although the Africa was in on Friday morning, the Despatches did not make their appearance.