[on mourning paper with engraved address:]
Merthyr Mawr,
Bridgend

September 7

My dear Henry,

I heard of your being in London but not when I was there. You are never to be seen. I went in June & saw the Exhibition in part – a very small part – I never saw your Photo-Printing for I cannot have resolution to pass so many things that interest me, & therefore I get knocked up before I arrive at what I intended to see! I hope however to go soon to see many things left unseen – but I am waiting for another Granchild [sic] to arrive before I leave home. –

Will you tell me what are the best Books for Italian Botany – I think it probable we may go to the shores of the Mediterranean this winter & I find Woods Tourists Flora not enough – I do not care about a Book being in many Vols – but what I want is one to be relied on & that will help me beyond what I know. The old days of our being in Italy together is the brightest spot in my life, & the Botany of that time is fixed in “letters of gold” on my mind I love every plant of that lovely Country.

Useful Books of Science of all kinds I should like to know of – How are you all – Your Grandchild must be nearly a year old how much I sh^d like to see him. My Grandson is a pattern & so wonderfully wise!

Your aff^te
Jane H. Nicholl

[envelope:]
[engraved on rear flap:] Merthyr Mawr. Bridend.
W. H. Fox Talbot Esq^r
Millburn Tower
Edinburgh
N. B.