Iron Pot L’house
September 8th 1881
My dear Mother 

We were glad to see your letter dated July 6th and to know that you are all well and I shall give Annie the card, and hope she and all of us may be influenced to apply the texts. I am very busy at present getting the Lighthouse and all the establishment cleaned and painted, as it has to be done once a year, and I want to get it done as soon as possible as our garden will take a good deal of our spare time. I do not know if I told you before that every year we have a colony of swallows who take up their quarters underneath the balcony of the tower, and we have seen the first pair arrive today. Chris came back from town last week she has not been very well lately pains between her shoulders and something as it were rising in her throat. The Doctor said it was indigestion but she talks of trying the application of croton oil. By the way I have heard of many remedies for different ailments but the most perfect that I have tried is a cure for Scurf. "One oz flour of sulphur in a quart of water. Agitate occasionally and damp the roots of the hair or any part affected. I enclose a photo of Charles Ross and his Mamma. Chris says that his frock is doubled up not torn. I have a photograph of Mr Babington which I will send next time. I hope you will all have passed a pleasant time at old Killough. Frances note reminded me of the morning Joe and I on New Years morning left our wisps at Miss L’s door. Does he remember that? And I received Crudence concordance that day for my gift from her. I have one now the same, which belonged to Mr Upton. I wish very much this place could be photographed from the sea as it would make a much better picture. We will be very glad of all the nice presents which may be expected by the end of Oct if all goes well. I will be able this time to "Chock off" the jam and some possum skins in place of newspapers. There is an article in the Family Herald of either Jan. or Nov. last or somewhere about that which it might be very useful for young people at home to read or act upon. It is entitled "Profession or a trade". I think trade is best in this country if we except the Doctors who all seem to get on very well. I believe this will, if it is not now, be the best and most thriving of any of the Austral. Colonies as there is such an amount of mineral wealth. But God grant that we may all set our affections on that wealth that we can carry with us when we go on the long journey. All the bairns are well and send their love. Chris desires also to be remembered so with love to sisters and brothers Aunt Ewart Joe and Sophy

I remain dear mother ever your affect son

J C Parkinson

There is or will be a Dr Agnew in Belfast from Hobart. A big man here