June 8,/94.
THE CAMP, Sunningdale.
Dearest Grace*1 Thank you "ever so much" for your letter of the - from Venice. I am glad that you are enjoying yourself and practising speaking Italian. I did not remember that there was so much to see at Bologna, where I staid[sic] only one night with the Grays and left next morning for Ravenna. The latter is, as you say, a most unhealthy place. If I remember aright its decayed condition is partly accounted for by the silting up of the river - was it not once a goodly port? What does your Guide book say? I hope that you read up the history of the places you visit. The huge cover -- roof -- of the tomb of Theodoric is one piece of stone from a quarry on the other side of the Adriatic! and it is clear that it could not have got into its present position, except by water-carriage, to within a reasonable distance. I am quite vexed that I did not in my last wish you many happy birthdays, so pray accept this now with my best love. We have had a Mr Carrington here for a day and night. He comes from Queensland, and brought a heavy parcel of minerals for Joe from Sophie which he left at Kew. I immediately wrote and asked him to come and stay here a few days, but he could only give us one. He knows Sophie well (but had never seen Brian) and speak so highly and warmly of her and the children, and of her bringing up of the latter, that I was quite delighted. What he said of her ladylike and agreeable manners quite coincided with Sir Anthony*2 and Lady Musgrave's opinion. He was in the Gov[ernmen]t Service, and is

now retired; and has joined a friend in purchasing a property near Guildford, where they propose to grow Bees, Fruits, Poultry and Rabbits for the London Markets. He is unmarried, but his partner has a wife who will attend to the domestic menage. They have purchased a large house on the property and will occupy separate wings. He knows many Colonial friends of mine. Harriet*3 has been very ill indeed with German measles, which she caught by visiting at a house in London where there had been a case, but which had been "thoroughly disinfected"! Mr Dyer was in great alarm, the eruption was so violent and went on for so long that she was reduced to the last stage of weakness and though convalescent is still very weak and out of sorts. Perhaps you will write a few lines to her. You can enclose it to me or Mater[.] Carey Hooker has been here, the lame one, such a nice, cheerful girl; she left on Wednesday. Cousin Mary is also here and she went with Mamma to "Constantinople" today. Her deafness increases. Mademoiselle is gone and Dicky*4 has gone to Pendock till the new Governess arrives. Leonard Barnard was here from Saturday to Monday last, so what with Mr Carrington, Reggie, Carey, Cousin Mary and Leonard, the house was chock full. The weather is still cold and windy and the Rhododendrons are very poor, some have not opened at all owing, to the fortnight ago (which cut the Peas, young potatoes and actually the Strawberry flowers!) and the heavy rain and wind which batter the flowers.

Tell us when you write something about the people you are with. Are any of them intelligently interested in Art? Mrs Lyell is coming here on Monday if the weather is fair. Ever dear Grace, your affectionate father, | Jos.D.Hooker