WCP4940

[1]

Castell-Mellte

July 22nd 1904

Dear Mr. Neale

As we are returning home tomorrow morning early I write on behalf of myself and Mrs. Wallace to thank you for your great kindness in lending us your house, your motor-car, and the invaluable services of your son. He took us for several very interesting excursions especially that to the Brecon road where we got a very fine view of the Beacons.

His complete command of [2] the machine and very great care as a driver, made us feel perfectly safe in his hands and added greatly to our enjoyment.

We also wish to thank Mrs. Neale for providing so much for our comfort while staying here.

This afternoon has been wet, but this morning we went to Capel Hermon on the motor, & then walked down to see the two Clyn-gwyn falls.

I was much interested to hear from your son that you are an orchid grower. I am [3] exceedingly fond of them and attempted growing them for 3 or 4 weeks at Parkstone, where I had a house with 4 divisions suited for all temperatures and grew an assortment of all the chief kinds. But the place was too exposed to the wind, & I found it impossible to keep up the uniform temperature and constant moist atmosphere essential for them, and the labour of attending to them wholly myself I found too great and had reluctantly to give them up. I now grow only hardy and a few greenhouse plants, but of as many different species [4] as I can get, raising some new ones every year from seed.

Should you ever be in our part of the country, between Wimborne & Poole, I hope you will give us a call and see our garden which is in a very picturesque situation.

With best wishes | Believe me | Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

J.J. Neale Esq.