 The lure of the countryside could prove a distraction to an active boy, who needed to be pulled back into line.Henry Dowes wrote to Cromwell in September 1534 explaining that he had used every effort to advance Gregory in his studies, but “forcause summer was spent in the service of the wild gods, it is so much to be regarded after what fashion youth is brought up.” However, by April 1535, Dowes was able to report to his father that "his improvement is greater than at any time here before, partly because he is brought into some awe and dread, and is ready to give himself to learning when required, partly because those things which formerly alienated his mind from study are now withdrawn.