| Description | He owes a long letter to the children. William does not know what daphnes are, but thinks carp come from Germany originally, and recalls a rhyme about Turks and carps coming to England in one year. He tells her about the beauties of the sunrises and sunsets in India, 'a lavish expenditure in colour'. [John James] Gray has written to say that he will be in England on 20 August. He thought to be in Australia, but was called back; William's letter via Marseilles will probably not reach him in time to induce him to visit Collingwood. Gray is interested in science, although he has had little opportunity to develop his interests, and he should speak to their father. Gray's photographs have been delayed; they should have gone as soon as [William] Waterfield had seen them and there has been some difficulty in packing them. Photographs from home have arrived in India packed with less care, however. He refers to drawings of the drawing room and the terrace, which he keeps in darkness, as the climate fades paintings. William has seen Dr [William] Whewell's marriage announced in the papers, and was glad to see it confirmed in their letters. He adds his congratulations to Collingwood's. He notes Mrs Watson's illness and [William] Waterfield's sad news from home. |