WCP330

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

May 25th. 1902

My dear Violet

I have so much to do & so many letter, & get so tired going to Broadstone 3 or so times a week, which is necessary to keep things quite straight, that I cannot write long letters. (I had quite forgotten your Zoo tickets till I looked at your letter just now, so I send you a lot (13) of last years which are all good for entrance but you must date them.)

Now for the house &c. The Pond does not leak the least bit, — & the water lilies are all in it & are starting well. Now the weather is too hot. March to June in 3 days! [2] Furnace not got yet as steps down to cellar not finished. Hot air fireplace not got yet, but will come with the Monogram for chimny[sic?] by front door.

One "Rational" will be ordered soon. The Roof timbers are now nearly on, & will be boarded & fitted soon, & then tiled, & then we can go on inside as soon as we can get wood, & carpenters, and decide on plans. I find that Oregon pine & Pitch pine can be had about same price. This will come to about double the cost of the best matchboard, besides a good deal more in labour, but I think we can have the best rooms all in panels [3] the way you said — quite plain, and the dado either plain boards, or good matchboarding.

This I will arrange about when Mr. Curtis Sen[io]^r comes next.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]