WCP258

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec^r. 14th.1894

My dear Violet¹

Mrs Maclachlan arrived here on Monday with her boy Hamish — a rather jolly & clever looking kid of 4½ — We gave them a bed, & on Tuesday she took lodgings at a house in the Upper Road going towards Sandecotes. The rain it raineth every day, here — and to day it has not ceased one minute all day long. Miss Macdonald is expected I believe tomorrow or Monday. It is to be hoped the rain will have all come down before ‘Xmas, so that you have some fresh air then. [2] I have put the two Kindergarten books, & a few others of general information, & I have a few new books of interest. I have had so much to do in garden & Greenhouse, & with letters etc. since my eyes got better, that I have only just now been able to try & finish my article on Language² etc.

Did I tell you that Harris³ has given up the Fortnightly, which I am rather sorry for as I am afraid the new Ed. is a mere literary man. My last article which was ready & corrected for the [3] October number is not out yet! There is a rumour that Harris has bought the Saturday Review & is going to edit it himself.

There is a very large Nursery — John Cowan & Co. — at Garston about 4 miles south of Liverpool where they have immense quantities of orchids. You might go there and see them some Saturday when you want a little excursion.

Ma⁴ is going to Hurst⁵ next Monday, I believe, to her Ma’s⁶ golden Wedding feast, & will return I suppose in time for our ‘Xmas feast. The only person I can think of asking is Mr. C. Reid,⁷ — but [4] I expect he will been in London before then.

I have really no more news of any kind — so farewell for the present, from your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]