New London Inn
Exeter
Tuesday evg –

My dear Henry

We had 20 minutes to spare at Chippenham – for we arrived at 10^m to 12, & the train was more than 10^m late. Our journey was very prosperous – Just before we reached Bristol a most tremendous shower, no doubt a thunderstorm, came on – only we could not hear the thunder – But there was quite a fog, & such torrents of rain, that it leaked through, & we had to bale it out of the carriage. We should have had a damp drive to Clifton had we gone there.

There was no rain here all day. We spent 2 hours & ½ in Veitch’s ^<1> garden, till I had not a leg to stand upon. I ordered various things – the only very expensive one I indulged in was a Wellingtonia about 15 inches high – which cost a guinea; but as we shine in trees especially, I thought it a pity not to have one. He says the Americans are indignant at the name we give the tree, & call it Washingtonia. The garden was most brilliant with verbenas, geraniums, & all the usual Summer flowers. I send you in a little box a few specimens which I think will please you.

1 – A thing from N. Zealand – exactly like a Holly, only with a long red flower – I believe hardy
2 – A beautiful delicate kind of Hoya, raised by Veitch – hangs in a basket Stove heat.
3 – A lovely small white Rhododendron – Stove heat –
4 – Delicate pink d^o (Princess Royal), seedling of their own – Stove –
5 – Hardy Myrtle – California
6 – a charming lilac thing like a Verbena
7 – a Red thing – new – California?
8 A small white sweet scented flower, w^h bears a small fruit; very good – hardy – with an extraordinarily long name.
9 – At the top of the Box are specimens of leaves of the same tree – the Lace Bark tree from New Zealand – the small ones the early leaves, & those on the young shoots. The one enclosed is a very pretty thing – & I believe hardy, from California.

I bought a Tritonia & 2 Mandevillas – Let me hear if you receive my specimens safe – Love to all at Laycock –

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham

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Notes:

1. James Veitch, jnr (1815–1869), nurseryman & botanist.