Iron Pot
Nov 1 1882
My dear Mother,

As the mail is not expected in time to answer letters I thought it best to have this ready as this has been such a wonderful season. There has been more rain than any season I remember, which will cause the harvest to be good if we do not get burned with the heat. We have a warm day or two and then cold windy weather and rain which is very trying. Chris has not been well lately and suffers most when in bed. She says it is like the strokes of a blacksmiths anvil in her ears, and some nights can get no sleep and the sensation makes her feverish, altho her general health is fair. She has been to town and had advice but is not much better. The right ear is most affected. The pills Dr Sam sent answer very well. We have been put about a good deal expecting the workmen down to do the repairs but they have not arrived yet, but perhaps it is as well as the weather has been so severe. I enclose a specimen of Tasmanian hand painted Christmas Cards which will give you a specimen of one of our native wild flowers "Feucundia prostrata?" and I will send another next time and have some prints and Australian sketches to send in the box. Although the "Lufia" has not as much interest this time yet we begin to feel uneasy about her as she is 113 days out and the Runnymede which left more than 20 days after has arrived. Our garden looks well and everything is flourishing. I hope that you are snug for the winter and I hear it is very severe already at home. Mrs Cunningham has been in the habit of sending me the "Australasia" from Melbourne so I asked her to send it to George as it contains a … of Colonial News. Nov 3rd. The mail is not in yet so I am going to post this. The Lufia is coming in although people were getting anxious. About 8 miles off. So with love from Chris and children to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles and kind remembrances to Aunt E Joe and Sophy and Mary Oliver

I remain dear mother

ever your affect son

J C Parkinson