TALBOT1153

Melbury ¹
Friday

My dear Henry

I am very sorry to hear you are not coming to us so soon – for we go to Abbotsbury ² Monday where the Framptons ³ are to meet us & I am in hopes of M^r Buckland ⁴ in the course of the week I do not exactly know when we return here but if you will let us know when you mean to come we will not miss you –

John ⁵ is going for a day to Oxford this week to take his degree in form perhaps he will meet Kit ⁶ there for the same purpose – I am glad you are going to cull Spring flowers on the hills of Nice a second visit is worth so much more than a first one

I have little to tell you in botany – only that to my astonishment the three Neapolitan Euphorbias tho so very succulent, seem to be invulnerable even to frost – & their acrid juice seems to keep off beasts – Veronica Buxbaumii still in full flower & not the least inclined to die. Primula Palinuri proves an everlasting blower –

While you are at Bowood ⁷ pray look at the Evergreens which are remarkably fine particularly stone pines & a pinaster near the head of the Cascade – & one near the path to the school – There are a number of fine deciduous trees which you will miss at this time of year –

I am curious to know Kits plan of travelling is he going for good now & to have his yacht round – & so cut the Welch people & all the bore of coming of age? Write to me at Abbotsbury –

Yr aff^te
W T H F S

On looking at your note again we dont exactly understand – but expecting to see you at Abbotsbury Wednesday or Thursday we shall hear from your self what you mean –

Sherborne, Jan^y twenty four 1824 Ilchester, ⁸ –
H. Talbot Esq^r
Bowood
Calne
Wilts