TALBOT2590

Blickling
February 10^th

My dear Henry

I have not the least objection to make the exchange, & I rather think I should secretly prefer the birds to the flowers - unlike Uncle William, ¹ who likes flowers better than men, & stones better than flowers -

We shall not be able to leave this before the beginning middle of this week, as poor Lord Valletort ² has had a rather severe fit of the gout, the worst he has had since last May, which has kept him shut up a whole week - as soon as he is able we shall set out & hope soon to see you in our way to Laycock Abbey - This is a very fine old place with a picturesque park & lake, full of fern, deer & wild fowl - the house is in the style of Hatfield, ³ with a gallery 130 f^t long, containing 11000 volumes -

You have not told me how you like your legislative duties, & what you think of the new speakers, the O'Dwyers & O'Connors & Cobbett? ⁴ Your letter concerning M^r Porter ⁵ did not reach me till after I had left Burghley - Pray take care of my parcel from Rodwell ⁶ till we meet, which I hope will be in a few days -

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

Henry Fox Talbot Esq^r
31 Sackville Street
London