Scientific Interests of Richard Grenville

Reference: HEH STG Correspondence Box 76 (04). Extract of letter from Richard Grenville in London to Richard Temple, no address specified. Undated but after the burial of Anna Eliza Brydges on 25 May 1836. On black edged paper.

London
Tuesday

Dear Grandpapa

We went yesterday to the conservatory at Covent Garden to see the famous Cow Cabbage, but were very much disappointed as it was not above seven feet high; the stalk was hardly thicker than that of a common cabbage there were no leaves at all on the plant that we saw only one little bunch of seeds on the top. There were some very fine sorts of Geraniums in the conservatories.

I am going out in the carriage with Mamma this evening to look at some chairs for invalids of which I saw the model at the Pantheon Bazaar; there was a very neat model of a steam engine in braƒs about a foot high for twelve guineas it was very neatly made. Mamma thinks she will have finished all her busineƒs in a week. I am not to go back to Eton. Anna has caught what she thinks to be a most wonderful insect but by a glimpse she allowed me to have I thought it nothing but a green moth. Today is the first regular Summers day we have had as yet. The reason the fountain caps were not sent was that the copper balls were not ready. Papa arrived from Stowe about ten o’clock Sunday evening having been to Wotton on his way yesterday. He dined at Salt Hill. he gave me to broach you sent which I like very much. I have got a pair of flying squirrels that I like very much. They are to go to Wotton tomorrow. Anna joins with me in sending our best love and wish that the hot weather may bring back your good health now good bye

Dearest Grandpapa
Your ever affectionate Grandson

Richard Grenville Temple