TALBOT8857

My dear Henry

You shall have a branch of the Aloe as soon as one appears in fruit – from the slow development tho’ perfect, I remark in the plant I hope to have a specimen with bud, flower, & capsule at once on a branch. I have had a bud open perfectly in water – & put out stamens.

We drove to Kew yesterday – it was desperate hot & I did not go into any house but the Palaces & saw some curious Aroids. ¹

From the size of some American trees that still remain one regrets the loss of many that were blown down some years ago – & would have been fine timber trees now.

I did not see either of the Hookers. ²

Y^r Aff^e
W^m

I go into Burlington House to consult the Libraries now & then – I am surprised to find the Linnean ³ deficient in some books of good character & Standing I should have expected there.

W^m

London 30 July

We shall be most happy to accept your invitation ⁴ but I will write again to say when we can come –

[envelope:]
Henry F Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham