[on light mourning paper with crest]

Dabton
Dec^r 31^st 1863.

My dear Papa,

I don’t know how long you intended to remain in London, but I think this letter has still a chance of finding you there. – I was quite delighted with the pretty little views of Lacock that you sent me – they are so perfect and give a very good idea of the whole house, so they will be very nice to show to strangers

We found this lichen growing on the bark of an ash tree near the ruins of Tibber’s Castle in Drumlanrig grounds – When fresh it looked like a bright green oak leaf and is evidently quite different from the common grey lichen a bit of which I enclose. You should damp it when it arrives, if it is faded, as it looks very pretty Can you tell us its name? Tibbers Castle had only one bit of ruin left appearing on the summit of a knoll covered with oak & ash trees – but they have lately been excavating, and uncovered several half buried walls & a round tower Old peices [sic] of pottery bone, iron and one coin (English – Edward II we think) have been found – It must have been a large building formerly in a beautiful situation close to the Nith – near the castle there are traces of a Roman Camp, supposed to be of the time of Tiberius and to give the name originally to the place –

I suppose Aunt Caroline will have started before this reaches you – If not please give my love to her & Ernestine –

Johnnie joins me in wishing you a Happy New year, & many returns of it!

your affec^te daughter
Tilly –

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Atheneam [sic] Club
London