WCP213

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

June 24th. 1890

My dear Violet

I am sorry I could not even see you at the meeting, but it could not be helped. You must remember that most of the people present are members to whom the business is interesting & it is their only chance of hearing about the business for which they pay their subscription. I am sure you had some amusement in Mr. Walker’s speech if you stayed so long. Eric has not grown much but is nicer looking & healthier than he was. Alfred is well, & only talks very little yet. Nutwood¹ is flourishing — the trees & [2] shrubs especially. Just now your Aunt Rose², Lady Coowara and Mrs. Sims³ are all here, so we are pretty full! If fine we are going to Corfe Castle tomorrow. The best book we have read lately is Baring Gould’s "Mount Royal."— I enclose you your cheque for £5. I also send a ticket which will admit you & any friends to Bull’s⁴ Exhibition of Orchids. I went last Friday. It is the most wonderful & beautiful exhibition, & if you can find time try & go. You must take my card as well, & if the ticket taker makes any difficulty go to the [3] Office close by, & show it & they will let you in. Mr. Bull told me so himself. The morning is the best time to see them. There is a train from E. Croydon at 9.15 gets to Chelsea at 10.0 & it is only 5-10 minutes walk from the Station. You can get back from Chelsea 11.45 — Croydon at 12.30.

As your Aunt Bessie⁵ seems to have such economical ideas, you can go with her & I will give you enough for all your expenses. Perhaps Ma will go with you. She can if she likes.

We went to see D^r. Geikie⁶ the [4] other day & he told us one [of] his clerical stories about the celebrated and witty D^r. Sidney [Sydney] Smith⁷. He hated house-dogs and a lady who did not know this asked him to give her a name and a motto for the collar of a little pet dog that had just been given her. He said — "Yes, Maam, I will. The name — Spot. The motto — "Out! damned Spot". — And D^r. Geikie pretended to be shocked at telling such a story!

Your affectionate | Papa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]