2 April 1874 Glenorchy My dear Donald I received yours regarding the packet of alfapha seed which I was very glade of as I believe it will be a good grass to propogate and procure seed from. The packet came yesterday with 3/2 postage on it. I supose it was posted in Wellington with under postage and they charge double. On that a/c those things should be looked into as I several times have had to pay double postage on things owing to the neglect of the sender putting less stamps on than required. I will do my utmost to rise seed from the grass. I am going to sow it in the low part of the gardin in the best soil I have and see what it will do. We have had very dry weather as yet. Very little rain and the grass backward and if we do not have some rain soon before the heat is out of the ground I fear feed will be scarce this winter owing to the heavey burning but the seed I sowed on the hills in January is coming very well indeed and I hope all that is sowen will be well which I have every reason to believe it will. I have great hope you will run up for a few days as I told you my mind about the sight for the new house in my last. All I can saw [see] in this is that the more I think of it the more I see the folly and danger to health from damp would be by building where proposed. Trusting this will find you well as it leaves me, but poor Kate is very unwell just now but I hope it will not last long. All is well at the station but poor old Campbell is very dispondent owing to the dry weather, and Condie tells me he cannot stand the fugg much longer. He is rather dispondent to but I always cheer him up all I can. I have no more news. With best regards to Annabella & Douglas. I remain yours affectionately Archibald John McLean