Iron Pot,
August 24th 1879
My dear Mother,

We were all very glad to hear that you got the boxes and contents safely and that you were pleased with them. You need not be uneasy about the expense I was at as the shells were given us or collected. Mrs Babington gave us the Nautilus shells and I payed 9d each for the skins. The possums were caught in a rat trap in a barn on the Arm and I had them tanned. The smaller kind are very plenty and can be knocked down with sticks. The fern tree ornaments cost 6/- so you see my expenses were not very heavy. I am sorry that the wattle does not agree with your climate but will send some gum seed as soon as possible which will stand any climate and grows very fast and is considered a disinfectant, and when you get it you should plant some on Grangecam as the trees grow very large. I have seen some 100 feet without a branch. I am sorry to hear that Frank was so unfortunate but hope that something better may be laid out for her. You will know that the carte was George’s by this time. I fancy he is like George when he was his age, and I think that I can see a likeness of him in my name sake who promises to have large full eyes and a fine forehead. The children are all very healthy, thank God. I give them a little teaching every day when possible, and if spared I hope to he able to give each a turn at school when they are old enough. Annie is getting on very well at school and Mrs C is very kind and attentive to her. I had a letter from Mr B and he proposes to pay us a visit some of these days. At present he has a good deal of sickness and trouble in his family and they are not settled properly yet. This winter has been the most severe for a number of years, but we did not feel it as much as those in town as we are sheltered from the cold Nth winds. You did not say how Annie liked her necklace as there were two in the box? We have made our garden twice as large and have a good many potatoes planted. Peas, beans, onions and radishes up and cabbages planted, and intend making a shed so that we can be comfortable when we go over for the day as the sun is rather hot in summer. Are apricots dear at home? I think I paid 1/6 for a bucketful. That jam was two years old. We make a good deal as it is cheaper than butter and better for the youngsters. We must have made 150lb of different sorts this season. I was sorry to hear of Mrs W’s death and the cause. Its another warning. Our canary seems to thrive well here and is always singing. We intend to go up if spared about the middle of February as Chris expects to be laid up about the end of that month so I shall go up and stop a week to see her settled and then return when she is ready to come down again, and then go and spend my other week before she comes home. It’s very expensive but should anything go wrong aid is at hand and the youngsters are kept at school while in town. The weather is very warm and pleasant now and we could do well with the surplus rain that that I see has fallen at home. Our fowls are doing well now sometimes 9 eggs a day. I have nineteen hens and a brood of chicks. We received 4 papers and Willy desires me to thank Grandma for the nice card. Does George get any papers as I direct them to be posted. Mrs Upton is well. Chris and Children send their love to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles. Remember me to Joe and Sophy also Aunt E and believe me

Dear Mother,

Ever your affect son.

James C. Parkinson

P.S. I shall endeavour to get a better carte of myself when I go to town but that may be sometime. Aunt must remember that 19 years makes a difference.