WCP295

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset

Oct.[obe]^r 10th. 1897

My dear Violet,

I send you Will's¹ last letter, with more adventures & risks. Send it on to Hurst when read.

If you can make good terms for Limpsfield it will be a nice healthy place for you. Could you not arrange at once besides your fixed salary to have something extra for each child above a certain number. There is no particular news, but more new people. [2] Did I tell you that Grandpa² found here a plant that had never been found before in Dorset — a grass in a ditch near Wareham. He said it ought to grow there & it did & all the botanists are surprised that they never found it. Mr. Mansel Playdel³[sic] is so pleased that he has sent us a hare & 3 partridges, so we are having luxuries.

There is a great Orchid [3] sale at Bournemouth from Wednesday to Friday which I must be at all day so am very busy preparing.

Your affect.[ionate] Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

[4]

My dear Violet,

I came home on Saturday & found everything all right. I hear your dress etc. was sent-off on Thursday. I hope it is satisfactory. Your Papa is going to enjoy himself at orchid sales this week & I am going to seize the opportunity & clear out his rooms. Wills letter makes me long to go to such a lovely country & I want to sell up & go. Your Papa does not see it. I did not go to Godalming as I had intended [.] It came on cold suddenly & I had no warm clothes with me so thought it best to come back & it is rather too late in the year to do much of doors. The country was lovely as I came along the line.

Yours affectionately | Annie Wallace [signature]

Don't forget to send Wills letter to Hurst.