@. . . . . Many thanks for your speedy response to my original communication. In answer to your question, the English weather has probably provided the usual number (which is enough!) of clear evenings on which to observe Mars this apparition, though the red planet is fading fast, certainly as seen from here. I am pleased to learn that my airmail package reached you in quick time. I believe David Gray may not have been in touch lately because he is in new employment which leaves him little time for astronomical observing and reporting.