TALBOT4919

Harbour House
Portpatrick

August 16^th 1876

My dear Papa,

I sent you a small bit of a plant which I found growing in a bog near the sea – it is very much spoilt now, but when growing I was attracted by its very pretty and conspicuous yellow flowers – of a very fragile texture – As far as I can make out from the small book we have with us, it is probably March S^t Johns wort – H. elodes: ¹ but the description is so vague, that it is impossible to be sure. The flower differs from a S^t John’s wort in being half opened – not showing the stamens – it droops a little – I never saw the flower before any where – We had a dreadfully hot walk the day I got it – having wandered among the sand hills on Luce Bay in search of arrowheads – but this time we got none – & it was really too hot to look for them This place is very picturesque but very fatiguing as there is no level ground – I particularly dislike the top of the cliffs – so I stay at the base of them as much s I can – Bathing is pleasant, as the water is as clear as crystal – & very deep but it is all on rocks – so there is a constant surf & waves on the calmest days – Maudie ²has bathed three times & been very brave about it – though she doesn’t like being put over head – I was glad to get Rosamonds ³ letter on Monday night, as it was a week since I had had any news – What a pity Aunt Caroline ⁴ could not pay you a longer visit. I am so glad to hear such a great improvement in the account of Mamie’s ⁵ health that she has actually been out of doors! – that was a great step – Please thank Monie for forwarding the letter about the Poultry I think the man must be an oddity – With much love

Your most affec^te daughter

Tilly

Weather boiling hot! –