Sorry not to see Smith in London; relieved to find there is no misunderstanding between them. Busy summer but looking forward to seeing Smith and family at Norwich soon.
Sorry not to see Smith in London; relieved to find there is no misunderstanding between them. Busy summer but looking forward to seeing Smith and family at Norwich soon.
Account for books, etc.
Has visited Switzerland and met Davall; "Celsia orientalis"; difficulty of procuring books; desires exchanges.
Hopes to give to Linnean Society the third editions of his "[Journey from Chester to] London", "Indian Zoology", and "History of Quadrupeds". Queries on Indian plants for the 11th folio volume of his "Outlines of the Globe": whether Linnaeus refers to the "Poon tree" used for masts; the "cotton tree" referred to by "Gerard p.1552" and "[Edward] Ives Voy[age] 478", thinks it a classical tree; asks if the common walking cane is made from a 'Rotang'; requests correct reference to correct a mistake in [Robert] Orme's "Fragments". Thanks for mention in Smith's essay on natural history [in "Linnean Transactions"] but upset to be coupled with "the dull Brisson" [Mathurin Jacques Brisson (1723-1806) French zoologist]. Requests list of the 20 most striking Indian plants or trees.
Thanks for memoirs. News of French botanists. La Société Royale d'Agriculture.
Thanks for dried plants sent by Smith. Will send Smith whatever he thinks may be of interest from his own collection. Expresses the Turin Academy's delight at having acquired Smith as a foreign member.
Arrived back in Orbe unwell; taking purgative mineral waters of Saidschultz, Hungary. Sending seed of 'Cerinthe [perennis]' for Smith via Mr Mandrot; would prefer Smith figured it rather than [Joseph von] Jacquin. As 'Cerinthe perennis' forms a very stout root if in a pot it should be transplanted to the open to flower.