TALBOT4619

Cotehele House ¹
Calstock
Tavistock
26^th June 1875

My dear Henry

I believe the Balm that was taken up is quite flourishing – I will see about getting the cuttings as soon as I can. I hope those of the Abutilon are growing? Did not the M^t E. ² gardener send you some other things at the same time? I wonder if the enclosed is a rare plant or not? I found it in a field at my farm, just after they had been mowing the grass for hay. The farmer, who is a good gardener as well, & very observant of grasses, vetchs [sic] &c, said he had never met with it before.

I cannot help being extasiée ³ at the beauty of the vegetation this year – & of the loveliness & profusion of the roses especially.

There is a small crimson tree rose on the Terrace just under the windows, upon which I can count 40 roses at this distance – & there is another in the garden, which would undoubtedly gain a prize if exhibited – It must be a new kind. I think I got it 2 years ago from a man at S^t Austell. It is called “la France” – but I never saw it in bloom before. It is the largest flower I ever saw, a most beautiful pink in the centre, shading off to a delicate blush – very large smooth, clean petals, & very sweet. The leaves are also smooth – like the tea roses. I was quite “taken aback” when I first saw it, & much wished I could preserve it.

Ernestine ⁴ seems to be very happy & gay in London. She has been to 4 balls & the Queen’s ⁵ Concert, besides Dinner

Flora ⁶ writes me word of two deaths in our family which I had not heard of – poor Henry Gallwey, ⁷ (the Captain R.N.) & his eldest Sister Fanny – whom I dare say you remember as not quite right in her head. Amandier ⁸ must remember her, when we were all children at Boulogne. They are only 2 now left – Sir William, & Philip, ⁹ who was the youngest of the whole 6.

Charlie ¹⁰ goes on Wednesday I believe – It will be very nice for him to see so much of Russia – and Copenhagen on the way.

Love to all –

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

[envelope, imprinted on flap "Cotehele House":]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham