From Emma Darwin to Leonard Darwin [17 August 1864]

My dear Lenny

All our dictation has had an effect I am sure upon your hand-writing & spelling.

Papa did actually go a drive yesterday to the Railway bridge & very much struck he was with the white mountain & the enormous mass of brick work. We got out & walked about.

he pretends that he will go another drive but it will be difficult to find objects. Did you hear of Billy's reformation? He has been in the tax cart several times as good as gold.

George is very virtuous at his math. M^r Veitch sent Papa an orchis which I own to be beautiful & he has drawn it as well as tendrils & things under the microscope The girls are coming home on Monday.

Goodbye dear boys— You must tell me if you want some money for Richmond, but I suppose Frank can give it you

yours E. D.

They have to go thro' a tunnel to get to the shore at Ilfracombe.

The hills are tremendous all about, but at the bottom of the narrow vallies are brooks & very pretty walks.

It is of no use sending you Hen's letters for I am sure you c^d not read them.

Here is one of Lizzy's which tells a good deal of news—

yours E. D.