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The Athenæum
London
Tuesday 7th March 1854
My Dear Rosamond
The fine weather continues, I see by the papers that the Barometer was hardly ever so high as at present, and the farmers are rejoicing in a most favourable time for sowing their wheat. The moss you sent me seems very likely to be Bartramia pomiformis as you conjecture. In making the alteration of the window in your room at Lacock, a beautiful piece of sculptured stone was found having in the center <sic> the emblem of the Sheringtons, a scorpion. It has been placed in the Cloisters – Inscriptions were also found on the wall, two of which I copied.
R. Lawly. 1690.
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Thursday <illeg> november <sic>
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another with the date 1603 but indistinct.
In digging gravel the other day in the field opposite the hall door a coin was found – which I enclose. On one side it has Edwin or Edward, on the other Civitas London.
I hope to return to Greta on Thursday evening if nothing prevents. I bring you some double violets.
Our poor old donkey has died, having come to the end of its days.
I am glad to hear the weather has been so pleasant also in Cumberland and that the primroses are appearing –
Yours affly
Papa
I have bought a little microscope suited for Botany & shall bring it with me.