R. Botanic gardens
Edin
11 July 1859

Dear Sir

I thought that you had left Edin. for the south & consequently told my friend Professor Piazzi Smyth ^<1> to send a better photograph of the small Dragon tree ^<2> to your address in England. He has accordingly sent it to Lacock-Abbey Near Chippenham –

I suppose that it will be safely transmitted & that you will receive it on your return to Wiltshire. Prof Smyth thinks that it is superior to the the photograph which I sent to you. ^<3> –

I shall attend to your wishes in regard to ferns. ^<4> [illegible deletion] A parcel will be sent to Coates Crescent ^<5> soon.

I am Yours respectfully
J. H. Balfour

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Notes:

1. Prof Charles Piazzi Smyth (1819–1900), photographer & Astronomer Royal for Scotland.

2. See Doc. No: 07828.

3. See Doc. No: 07828.

4. See Doc. No: 07664, to which this is the reply.

5. The Talbots had rented 17 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh, for the Summer of 1859. See Doc. No: 07882.