Slough
June 25/38
My dear sir
My bulbs arrived in such a dreadful state growing out that I was forced to commit them immediately to earth to take every chance. – A few Species however I send you per coach as well as seeds which I doubt not will do well.
My Satyriums are among the most healthy & thriving of all. Some I had growing in my Cabins in native soil are finer in leaf than even I had them at the Cape.
If my collection survives I shall be able next year to supply you richly, as I have hardly less than 200 species –
The Harveia Capensis [illustration] is a very common flower on the Cape flats & a very pretty one – It used to be set down as Orobanche,– a very remarkable family.
I have specimens of the
Bartholina Pectinata
and [illegible deletion] Cybidium Virgincum
both very curious Orchideous plants which promise well.
Yours very try
JFW Herschel
H. Fox Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
near Chippenham
Somerset