WCP330

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

May 25th. 1902

My dear Violet¹

I have so much to do & so many letters, & get so tired going to Broadstone 3 or 4 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 chimney 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^r. comes next.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]