Dear Sir

I thank you much for your good opinion of me, I shall try to deserve it.¹

Epipactis palustris has been found near us, but is rare—² If you want a supply of it write to Kew   it grows plentifully in the Willow beds between Kew and Mortlake by the river-side. It is very common there but from the colour is often overlooked. Unfortunately Menyanthes does not grow here-abouts. But I shall keep my eyes open.³

Don’t forget that there is a Cypripedium at Kew which belongs to you— I should think it would flower this spring. It was under my charge and before leaving I pointed it out to Gower—⁴but in case it is forgotten—it is (or was) in the second light of the pit nearest the Propagating house.

Beaton talks too confidently for me— I never could put much faith in him.⁵ The more I see the more careful I become in my statements. and I think this is the natural effect upon any properly