From Leonard Darwin and Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [26 November – 3 December 1861]

My dear William

This year we have got (that is Skimp and me) such a lot of bulbs  we have 90* tulips besides hyarcinthes, crocuses, squills and john quils. We have planted some crocuses and some squils in three pots and the hyarcinthes in two.

* that is to say we have given some of them to mama out of the 90

To cohange the subject about Southampton, are there any hanson curches or old castles. Why on earth dont you go into the engenere ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠, certainly you'd be a good captain when you don't know a bit about engenering.

I am yours ever | L Darwin

Dear W^m.

We are puzzled what day you had better come. The 16^th is Monday so I doubt whether you mean that. We shall have Amanda here probably till the 21^st so that would be the best in that respect.

If you mean the 14^th the boys don't come till the 16^th.

Perhaps however it will settle itself without our help— We are all better. Effie has the scarlet fever so Hen. was turned out in a hurry  it was very mild and she is now recovering. Please put up the 2 first Orley's & direct them to 1 Cumberland P. She wants them to read. I can't think how I made that blunder  I looked out the 2 last numbers  I know you put forrest only one v