Lacock Abbey
Febry 6th
Sir
I beg to Ask your permission about having a new hot water Tank in the Stove as there is two large holes burst out in the side of the present one I have got Mr Phelps to stop them for me which may last for some little time but not long this happened in the day time which was fortunate as there is danger of bursting the boiler if the fire is kept in after the water has run out, you will remember my speaking to you about the bad State of the Small pipes and boiler Tank before you left the Abbey Mr Phelps desired me to tell you that he can make a new Tank and fit it up for you if you think proper to give him the job and would recommend that the new Tank should be Galvanized to prevent the water rusting it which is the cause of the holes bursting out, he says that it would be rather more expensive but cheaper in the end as it would last much longer, if you prefer the Job to be done at Melksham the same man that fitted up the present Tank for us is still working at the same place and it strikes me that he would be the best to understand the circulation of the water from the boiler to the pipes as Mr Eyres invented the plan and this man worked it for him According to his plan and certainly it have answered very well, you will please to tell me where you would like me to get the job done at Melksham as before or give it to Mr Phelps and where you will like the Tank galvanized or not as soon as I hear from You I shall be glad to get an Estimate and order the job at once as every thing must be got ready for fixing before the old Tank is removed and then I must make a stove of the vinery while it is fixing which will not be long when all is ready, I am glad to tell you that most of the bulbs we potted are looking well and the Tropolum tricolor have covered the Wire trilles I got for it and is showing plenty of flower buds we shall soon have several Orchids in flower in the Stove there is a new flower of Strelitzia opened to day and the old one that was in flower when you left is still looking fresh
I beg to remain Sir you Obedt Servant
Geo Wilkins
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
13 Great Stuart St.
Edinburgh