Dunkeld 29th Sept
My dear Papa
We found this little flower yesterday in a very pretty walk which we took near the shores of Loch Lowes. – It was bright lilac then, and had got a tuft of leaves covered with white hairs, which unfortunately broke off while I was carrying it; but it is so faded now that I am afraid you will not be able to see what it is – It was so pretty while fresh, that I am sorry we could not dry it properly. Yesterday was a true Scotch day, of which we have as yet had so few; that is to say it rained all the morning an the evening was mild and misty with the clouds hanging very low about the mountains. – We however, managed to take a very long and pleasant walk, up a little road behind the farm, through the beautiful wood and quite down to the lake on the other side where we walked about some time, and at last came down to Dunkeld by a charming little path from which there is a most beautiful view of the Cathedral tower half hid among its surrounding woods and a glimpse of the river beyond. We mean to go and sketch it as soon as possible.
We had a very slight touch of frost here the other night, which nipped the young shoots of a little lemon scented verbena. Has there been any at Lacock yet? – Do not forget dear Papa, to ask after the little kittens, particularly the little tortoishell one; how happy it must be to have two others to play with now, as even when alone it could not stop still a minute. I was almost forgetting a very important piece of news. that Linory has acquired a most splendid tail! already more that two inches long which he is so proud of, that he does nothing but clean and arrange it all day long. –
good bye dear Papa, the post goes out so early here that I must make hast to shut up my letter.
Your affectionate daughter
Matilda –
Today the weather is again beautiful, warm and almost cloudless. –
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire