TALBOT7230

Athole Crescent

Friday –

My dear Henry

The letter you forwarded to me this morning is intended for you. I therefore return it by the first post. I also enclose a Botanical Catalogue which you was forwarded from Lacock a short time since – It may interest you perhaps: and if you desire to purchase, or even to view the things offered for sale, you may do so easily – M^r Withers being of Bath. Since I last wrote to you, Ela has received your interesting letter about the gardens at Lacock – and the Green houses &c &c – We have lately visited a nursery man about a mile from our end of Edinburgh – (at Comely Bank) where there is a very good display of hyacinths, Rhododendrons, and early Spring flowers in pots in a forcing house. – Edinburgh people seem very fond of flowers.

Today has been a most enjoyable day – Mild sunny & dry – We went about 12 o’clock to Holyrood – saw the State apartments, Chapel & all that is usually shown – and also lord Breadalbane’s apartments. – We were very much interested in the whole – and were so fortunate in our day! as the bright sun shone into those desolate rooms & made them look quite habitable – Having dismissed our carriage on alighting at the Palace, we strolled afterwards into the Park, and walked a long way up the paths, under Salisbury Crags. We returned à pied through the Cannongate, crossed the North Bridge into Princes S^t and then got into a carriage and drove home. It is the happiest day we have spent in Edinburgh – The view over the Frith <sic> was very grand without being perfectly clear. – We had rather a finer view in the same direction yesterday from the top of Calton Hill. – but the wind was very keen, very different to the pleasant weather of today. – I had a letter from Charles 2 days-ago – I would have sent it you – but I haven’t yet had time to answer it. He says, “Perhaps Papa may like to hear that I have not been turned in Euclid as yet. I will send you his letter tomorrow. I have written you a sad scrawl – but having been out all day from 12 to ½ past 4. Am pressed for time. Ela thanks you for the letter – & all send their love

y^r affectionate

Constance