[Rider Haggard writes to Rudyard Kipling's wife.] Autograph Letter Signed ('H . Rider Haggard') to 'Mrs. Kipling', discussing in detail the flowers he has sent her.

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, with one central vertical fold, and patch of small holes at head of second leaf. Interesting letterhead, with image of Egyptian hieroglyphics. Someone (probably Mrs Kipling) has written 'orchid' on the first page. The letter begins: 'Mr dear Mrs. Kipling, | I sent you a few flowers today by post, also (by rail to Etchingham) a Cypripedium Insigne, a Blush Rambler & a Lady Gay rose. The Cyp: Insig: is very fairly hardy but I should not stand it in too violent a draught. When it goes off flower any ordinary glass house will do for it but it wants a good deal of water in the growing season & some all the year round'. He gives further information , also asking her to 'please write for further instructions'. He adds, 'I had one once with 50 blooms & there are several out now with a score & more.' He states that the other two named flowers are 'cuttings which I struck last year'. He ends by thanking her for 'all your kindness to me'. Haggard's entry in the Oxford DNB describes how he 'tended his gardens and his farms', becoming an 'agricultural authority and expert on rural affairs'. Four years before the writing of this letter he had published 'A Gardener's Year', sequel to his 'Farmer's Year' (1899). According to Mrs Kipling's diaries, at the time of writing she only left Etchingham for 'the normal fleeting trips to town and Tisbury'.