WCP262

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset

March 7th. 1895

My Dear Violet¹

Ma² sends some crocuses to make two pots full. The 6 at one end are yellow, the other six white. They will grow in any soil, road scrapings will do — & you can let the sprouted part be above the ground. You must get some proper soil for your lily from some gardened [sic]. It will cost more to send it & more trouble than it is worth. It will want a rather large pot, and as it will not flower till late in the autumn & will want careful watering all that time, it is hardly likely to come to [2] perfection. I will see if I can send you the snakes &c. in a few days.

It will be very valuable to you to pass the final Exam. ^{& get the final Certificate—} but do you think 6 weeks will be enough to do it? I should think you must pay a substitute at the K.G. what you get yourself — at least. I will pay your board &c. & fees at Madame's for the 6 weeks. Perhaps Miss Macdonald would be your substitute if she has nothing by that time.

If Miss King has a garden, & a gardener, you could get [3] some soil & a pot for you[r] lily there — & instructions. I never grew lilies in pots.

An ordinary glass prism would not cost more than a shilling or two I should think. A good large reading glass 3/- or 4/- you can ascertain at any opticians.

I have not got the book of the 100 men. It is called Portraits & Autographs³

price 1/6 — I will get it, & you had better get one at Liverpool. We still have frost every night, & no water yet.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

[4] P.S. you can chop up the moss & lay it on the surface of your crocus pots & at first only keep the moss moist.

Not⁴ much water till green leaves appear, then more.