Derwent Lighthouse,
25-11-84
My dear Mother,

Very glad to see your letter once more but I must tell you that you give me too much credit for taste in the selection of the card as it was my better half that sent it when in Hobart. That reminded me to ask if you ever got two cards with native flowers painted by hand, as you never acknowledged them although I sent them two years ago - it is wonder that nothing could be done about the house under these new laws - but Sam ought to know. I was thinking of getting some gum leaves to send to Sam by a ship that will leave here the middle of next month. One of the men here had very sore hands in the palms from using oxalic acid and the skin was all chapped and raw. Doctors said it was a disease. He got some gum leaves and boiled them and washed his hands repeatedly and they are perfectly cured, so I must try and send some. People in the bush make tea of them and use it for colds with good effect. Frank’s "blue ribband" is much appreciated and Willys is sewed on his best coat so she is to send more if possible as the youngsters are all abstainers. Willy has been here for a few days as he had the measles and we thought it no harm for him to come down and get a whiff of the fresh air. They are all very mild here. I set a blackberry root about 4 or 5 years ago in the garden, and now it is a great bush so we have blackberries also. My early potatoes are a failure this year almost but the blacks will be very good. I have 12 marrows and pumpkins set out and about 30 tomato plants so we will do well this year - I suppose by the time this reaches you the cold weather will be on you. There is one thing where you are writing, you are not plagued with mosquitoes biting whenever they can get a chance. We have plenty in the summer, but there are neither rats or mice or snakes on our Island, but some few scorpions and tarantulas are brought in the wood. I shall ask my friend on board the "Ethel" when he gets home to write to you if he is coming out again. All the children are well only Chris complains of her head and sometimes her leg pains but we have not time to nurse our ailments. Remember me to Joe and Sophy, also Capt. Conan Miss Atkinson Etc. and with love from all to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles,

I remain Dear Mother,

Ever your affect Son,

James C. Parkinson.