TALBOT9897

Cotehele House ¹
Calstock
Tavistock
July 25^th 1872

My dear Henry

Very many thanks for the hamper, which arrived quite safe at M^t Edgcumbe. ² I was not able to settle anything about putting out the plants in their proper places just then, being very busy, & having to come here almost immediately – but I gave the Gardener strict charge concerning them. He was going to put the Anemone roots in a pot at once – & I hope to bring them back with me next time.

The Mandevillea had better stay at M^t E. where it will have a much better chance than here – & the gardener will take great care of it. – I have two very fine plants of Bougainvillea in my hot house – but they never flower anything to speak of, owing to the vines – as the house must be kept cold in winter, & in summer the vine leaves overshadow them too much; but at M^t E. there are various sorts of houses – more suitable.

Charlie’s ³ plants will be also properly cared for & planted out – tho’ the gardener thought it would be better to nurse them this season in a pot – but as you have done that already, I don’t see the use of it. We are going to M^t E. again for the Stonehouse Bazaar next week – on Monday – It is to take place this year in George Edgcumbe’s ⁴ garden at Stonehall, & I am to hold a Stall – but I suppose we shall be back here again at the end of the week. Cotehele is in perfection just now – the Roses have been beautiful – particularly the Devoniensis & Céline Forestier –, both of the Tea kind, & deliciously sweet. The latter a lovely pale yellow – & more refined looking than the Gloire de Dijon – and the Italian jessamine under Ernestine’s ⁵ window, is the most beautiful thing I ever saw. It is something like the common jessamine – only the blossoms are a good deal larger, as well as the leaves – & it flowers in much greater profusion. The perfume too is quite delicious, & comes in at the windows. I have also two nice Orange trees in tubs, covered with fruit – ab^t 4 or 5 f^t high – They are put out among the geraniums & roses – & look exceedingly well. – I must now say goodbye – having some work to finish for the Bazaar. I hope Constance ⁶ is better for the change of air? My love to those who are with you,

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

Did you hear of poor M^r Oakeley’s ⁷ horrid accident at Zermatt? I wrote to condole with him, & had a very touching letter in answer, written to dictation. He told me his kneecap was broken in 4 places, & also the end of the thighbone – but he was going on well, & had a clever Surgeon from Geneva. His brother Sir Charles, & his wife, ⁸ were with him.

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