TALBOT8004

The Winter Villa ¹
Dec^r 6^th 1859

My dear Henry

Have you ever seen the Bougainvilliea in flower? It grew at Palermo in the Botanic Garden, & flowered splendidly. Two years ago Captⁿ Eyres R.N. made me a present of two plants, which he had brought from the King’s Garden at Lisbon. It’s [sic] native country is Brázil I believe. One of these two plants fell sick, & was taken to Mount Edgcumbe ² to be nursed, where it is now doing well. The other grew in a straggling, uncomfortable way to the top of the Conservatory, without shewing the smallest intention of flowering – but quite lately it seems to have changed it’s mind – & has produced several long branches covered with blossoms, which hang down, & have a very pretty effect. –

Wednesday 7^th

I enclose a specimen – Is it not a lovely colour? Please thank Matilda ³ for her very nice long letter received today. I hope much they will be able to come –

Y^rs aff^ly
Caroline

[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham