Letter to Mr. Burton
1897-05-11

[Page 1 of 6]
May 11/97
10, South Street,
Park Lane. W .
Dear Mr. Burton
First, thank you very much for
the Horticultural book. And I
was delighted to see the competitions
for the girls. It is a great
civilizer.
And next for the Institute.
May 13
I have taken a note of
the Periodicals & books
you want & hope to supply
them in due time. But
as the Report is dated in
January, should any body
supply you with the 19th
[Page 2 of 6]
"Century" (say) in the mean
time, perhaps you will
kindly tell me. [You know
the XIX Centy. is very flimsy]
I hope there is sufficient
provision for boys. A boy's
character is pretty nearly
decided at 17 or earlier,
is it not ? There used
to be a Gymnastic room
for them, I think.
Men are sometimes too
careful to make themselves
comfortable in the Reading-
room, excluding the lads
who make a noise, which
[Page 3 of 6]
is not wonderful. The
Game-room, I suppose, is
chiefly for the lads. Gambling,
I am told, is increasing all
over England from the boy
to the man. I am afraid
to look at the word "Whist".
I am glad the Cricket is
restored.
Please to receive the
Cheque for £5.5 for
Mrs. Shore & me.
2. We are extremely
indebted to you for the
start you are giving our
boys in gardening, including
[Page 4 of 6]
vegetables, in geology
etc. etc. & the girls in
needlework.
We have always felt
your practical religious
instruction an untold
benefit.
I don't know whether
you have seen Mr. Horace
Plunkett's report on
Agriculture & Industries
for Ireland. [I have not
time to read it myself]
Also, his address to the
Surveyor's Institute.
But I beg to send you
[Page 5 of 6]
2
a very good
abstract of the report
- very readable & interesting
and another copy for the
Whatstandwell Coffee-room,
if you like to give to them
from me.
You cannot think how I
have been interrupted
all the time I have
been writing this poor
little letter For we
are hard pressed
[Page 6 of 6]
Now God bless you for
all the good you are
doing us -
kindest regards to
Mrs. Burton & your
children
ever sincerely yours
F. Nightingale