Bath May 2nd
My dear Papa,
Thank you for Louisa Frampton’s letter which we return with thanks. It is a curious subject to have chosen; I wonder what can be said about it?
Miss Thackeray’s garden is gay with lilacs and a beautiful sort of apple tree, in the centre, in full flower. We have also 3 lilacs, and the labernum planted by John Wilkins is nearly open, as well as the Westeria we cribbed from the neighbouring garden, late Lady Woods – It is going to be very fine. The whole country is lovely. Mama and I took a drive yesterday. The only annoying thing is the dust, which this wind raises in clouds. Mr Drummonds shewed us yesterday a primula a very fine plant, of the kind you bought of him, and says it will flower out of doors about Christmas.
The Chrysanthemums we thought were dead, being eaten by slugs, are beginning to sprout again. I have been hard at work digging up bulbs, and putting them bye [sic] on the shelf till next autumn. Mr Drummond failed to discover any reason for the want of roots to the hyacinths, and therefore supposes, like Wilkins, that the defect was caused by the cold and wet seizing on them when plunged in the ground out of a warmer frame.
I shouldn’t wonder if Aunt Caroline changed her mind, and didn’t stop here after all, as she seemed so very undecided. At any rate I will let you know as soon as we hear from her.
Your affectionate daughter
Rosamond
[envelope:]
H.F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham.