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Smith, James Edward in correspondent 
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From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
3 Sep 1791
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/40, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Condolences on death of Davall's daughter, believes it must have been a very violent fever independent of teething. Transcribes part of an epitaph on four children who died of the plague 150 years ago, engraved on a monument in a field somewhere in England. Wishes Davall could visit England as his connections are now much increased: quite intimate with Lady Rockingham; made acquaintance with Sir Abraham and Lady [Amelia] Hume and stayed with them in Hertfordshire; recently stayed at Bulstrode, [Buckinghamshire, home of Duke of Portland]. Will send first volume of "Linnean Transactions" for Davall. Requests duplicates of ten or twelve plants for François [Borone's] herbarium.

Postscript at top of verso of first folio that he would gladly figure 'Cerinthe perennis' [in "Spicilegium botanicum"].

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
30 Dec 1791
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/44, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Note in Davall's hand that this letter was received 13 January 1792.

Acknowledges receipt of Davall's letters of 6 November, with seeds, and 2 December, and parcel of plants via Mr Mandrot. Observations on plants, ordered by Greek letters: 'Trifolium rubens' HL, 'Trifolium pratense' HL, 'Trifolium alpestre' HL, 'Trifolium filforme' HL, 'Astragalus cicer' Linnaeus, 'Serapias palustris' HL, 'Potentilla norvegica' HL, 'Gnaphalium sylvaticum', 'Filago germanica' HL, 'Crepis dioscorides' HL, 'Festuca', 'Cuscuta europaea', 'Veronica hybrida' HL, 'Centaurea paniculata' HL, 'Campanula rhomboidalis', 'Thalictrum lucidum', 'Geranium sanguineum', 'Geranium rotundifolium', 'Lotus maritimus' HL, 'Sisymbrium murale' HL, 'Cheiranthus alpinus' Jacquin, 'Sium latifolium' HL, 'Lychius quadridentata' HL, '[Lychius] alpestris' HL, 'Silene alpestris' "Hortus Kewensis" and Jacquin.

Observations on plants, ordered by Roman letters: '[Arenaria] ciliata', 'Anemone sulphurea', '[Thlaspi] alpestre' HL, 'Erysimum cheiranthoides' HL, 'Lathyrus cicera' HL, 'Lathyrus palustris' HL, 'Orchis palustris' Jacquin, 'Acrostichum ilvense' Hudson, 'Acer opalus', 'Lavatera punctata', and 'Carduus crispus' HL.

Responds to Davall's letter of 6 November: pleased by his approval of first volume of "Linnean Transactions" but thinks his scheme for Linnean Society figuring plants not feasible; has not heard from [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800)] or [Dominique] Villars, and Villars may have heard of his 'Arenaria' from Professor Wiborg at Copenhagen; thanks for seeds, gave most to Fairbairn and some to [William] Aiton [(1731-1793)]; [William] Curtis angry with Smith for helping [James] Sowerby with "English Botany" as he thinks it infringes on his domain, he owes Sowerby £50 and is a "man of very unsound principle, & a bad temper at bottom"; [Edward] Forster sorry Davall is not impressed with the specimens he sent, which he thought very valuable; does not know Davall's lichen 46, and 48 is found in England on Charlton Church and used to be called 'Lichen cretaceus'; will send on "English Botany" and box of lichens.

Responds to Davall's letter of 2 December: distressed by Davall's ill health, essential for him to exercise, asks if fruit is laxative or not for him and whether red port makes him costive; thanks Davall for enabling exchange of lichens with with [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure [(1740-1799)]; will write to [Carlo] Bellardi; wishes to settle about 'Davallia' as what he intended is a 'Trianthema', asks if he would prefer 'Trichomanes canariense' or an Indian genus from his uncoloured icones.

His brother Richard spending the winter in a lodging by himself, "doing nothing, & burying good taste & abilities in mere sloth". Lady Rockingham in good health. Many seeds from Botany Bay lately.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
21 Feb 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/47, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

His street was not affected by the fire at the Pantheon, although [Robert] Batty's shop was destroyed and he and his family took refuge with Smith.

Responds to Davall's letters of 31 January and 3 February 1792: promises to visit Davall soon but wants to publish his "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" and "Systema vegetabilum" first; François [Borone] to be [Adam] Afzelius' assistant in Sierra Leone, commissioned by the new Company to collect plants for at least a year, advantageous situation for Borone, and Smith will receive a share of the plants, roots, and seeds collected; when François returns Smith intends to tour to Genoa to visit Davall and Mount Cenis again; impatient to hear from [Dominique] Villars; applauds Davall's comments on naming of plants after botanists, shall give Davall's name to 'Trichomanes canariense' but requests a paper from him for second volume of "Linnean Transactions"; has no duplicate of 'Smithia sensitivia', it flowered and seeded at Turin in 1790; admires Davall's manner of drying plants.

[Carl Peter] Thunberg compared specimen of his [Smith's] 'Festuca' with [Joachim] Burser's [(1583-1639)] original specimen at Upsala, so there is now no doubt, but [Martin] Vahl [(1749-1804)] has published discovery as his own in second volume of "Symbolae botanicae" but made mistake of saying he learned what 'Anthoxanthum paniculatum' was from the Linnaean herbarium.

Has been introduced to the Royal Family as this summer he is to arrange the Queen's herbarium, previously [John] Lightfoot's, give the Queen and princesses a course of botany; comments on the Queen's behaviour and dignity. Has not taken any salary for the job for the sake of dignity and future influence and interest.

Prescribes a tablespoon of melted butter with the salt skimmed off before bed for Davall's costiveness; excellent for bowel complaints but "neglected for nasty drugs & irritating oils". Eager to see vegetable part of [Johann Friedrich] Gmelin's [(1748-1804)] "Systema naturae". Glad Davall found [Johann] Hermann agreeable, "an excell[ent] & pleasant man". Pleased Davall likes his figure of 'Festuca spadicea'. Waiting for lichens before sending parcel of plants, will also send second edition of "Flora Lapponica".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
17 Mar 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/48, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Apologises for delay in sending lichens and can only send thirty for Davall's collection. Parcel of newspapers from [William] Este still waiting for Davall, the paper is now at an end and he is fled abroad for debt.

Asks Davall's opinion of "English Botany", which he now claims as his own and its aim "to make botany pleasing & popular, so [Davall] must pardon trifling". Took more pains with "Flora Lapponica", especially the synonyms as he means to correct citation, so it requires more serious criticism. Sends [James] Dickson's third and fourth dried plant fascicules which completes the work, relieved to be free from its drudgery. Sends pamphlets on the slave trade, "a matter much talked of now". [Adam] Afzelius and François [Borone] have sailed [for Sierra Leone]. Sends capsule of 'Mesembryanthemum' from Cape of Good Hope, gives care instructions; a German professor has figured it as a flower under new genus 'Redeviva'. Arranging his shells. [William] Aiton [(1731-1793)] delighted with seed of 'Arenaria grandiflora'. Davall owes [James] Sowerby and Dickson money.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
24 Apr 1789
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/5, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Letter is written around two botanical plates.

[Jacques] Dorthes of Montpellier, [France], an excellent correspondent for Davall. Proposing [Dominique] Villars a FMLS on strength of his book and has initiated correspondence. [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier's [(1762-1824), botanist] "impertinent" to think Davall should write a continuation of his "silly Memoirs". Requests specimen of 'Carex tomentosa'. Discusses observations on 'Chenopodium polyspermum' in Davall's last letter, thinks a discovery has been made. Requests specimen of Leers' 'Hypericum dubium' to compare against his '[Hypericum] perfoliatum'.

The King [George III (1738-1820)] went "in great state" to St Paul's cathedral yesterday to give thanks for his recovery. Kew catalogue nearly complete, as is his own "[Plantarum] Icones" and "Rudbeck[ianae]". Beginning short course of botanical lectures on 5th May; [William] Curtis now too rich to lecture. Has fruits of Sir Joseph Banks to send [Jacob] Wyttenbach. Davall's 'Draba saxatilis' should be called 'Draba stellata' as published by [Nikolaus] Jacquin in "Enumeratio" pp.113 and 256. Lord Gainsborough [Henry Noel] elected Honorary Member at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Swiss plants much esteemed in England; Forsyth has lately brought over a large collection. [Jonas] Dryander has ensured a 'Smithia sensitivia' will be in Kew catalogue. L'Heritier has acted "shabbily" by dating his monograph on 'Columniferae' 1785 so as to appear as though written before [Antonio José] Cavanille's book on same, they are having a dispute in "Journal de Paris"; Dryander openly attacks L'Heritier as "one of the most sneaking unprincipled of men".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
27 Jun 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/50, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Following pleuritic attacks in spring and summer has come to Matlock Bath for air and waters. Sending locally gathered mosses and lichens with this letter. Responds to Davall's letter of 18 May 1792: has not yet received Davall's two packets; recommends he take the Bath waters or similar for his stomach; condolences on death of his baby; entreats him not to overexert himself in the garden or fields, to avoid damp and evening air, and wet feet; thanks for seeds of 'Carduus crispus'; spending two or three weeks at Windsor soon [teaching Royal Family botany]; [Dominique] Villars correct in what he says, he [Smith] will write preface for his paper on 'Arenaria' for second volume of "Linnean Transactions" in which he will fully explain his method of ascertaining the Linnaean species from original numbered and marked specimens, and show in what cases synonyms are to be greater authority than the herbarium, citing example of 'Carex pilulifera'; thanks for quotation from Schreber, pleased with his praise and has written to him on the strength of it.

[Joseph] Gaertner has died but finished his book in second volume ["De fructibus et seminibus plantarum" (1788-1805)], he is very severe on Linnaeus "but a good author may be pardoned for a few prejudices'. Surprised at the attention his "introductory discourse" has received; Father Gregorio Fontana, mathematical professor at Pavia, has translated it into Italian.

Received parcel of plants from Botany Bay, many unknown to [Sir Joseph] Banks and others, with coloured drawings of most, and if Banks will not publish his work sees no reason not to publish these. Paper on 'Filices' not quite finished. Considers it settled that 'Trichomanes canariense' is to be 'Davallia'. Sending Davall a "choice copy" of second part of "Icones pictae", a present from Lady Rockingham, and second part of "Spicilegium Botanicum"; hopes he approves of 'Ligusticum cornubiense'. Encloses part of 'Byssus aurea'. Also encloses for Mrs Davall a small smelling bottle made of the "beautiful spar of this place".

Note at end of letter: "to remark that 'Poa salina' of Pollich is = distans as well as the retroflexa of Curtis".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
26 Oct 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/53, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Shortly leaving for Windsor to give the Queen and princesses five or six week course of lectures on zoology and botany, not going into detail "on the various structure of vesiculae seminales, nor on the "vulva hiaus" of the Viola (see "Flo[ra] Lapponica")". Compliments the Queen and princesses Augusta and Elizabeth. No payment has been mentioned as he initially only undertook to organise [John] Lightfoot's herbarium and the lectures have been proposed since. They think him "a wondrous learned philosopher" and cynically comments on getting a share of the "plunder" of the Church and King, though to do so would have to pray that "light & liberty may never make any progress in the world"; he prays most "fervently" for "virtuous" liberty and "not the sight of cutting off any body's head at pleasure". The "Magnificent Lords" of Geneva "cut a ridiculous figure" and are "quite a joke with the French", presumes the Berne aristocracy are anxious [threatened invasion of Switzerland by French] and will not write to Turin as they too must be anxious and not thinking of botany.

Delessert going over his [Smith's] herbarium. Progressing well with his "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent". Responds to Davall's letter of 12 October: nothing to fear from the French and blames the Genevans who "had no business to put on a warlike appearance" and that it is only their own tyrants that make the Swiss fight the French; detests the Geneva and Berne governments. As the French behaved well in Savoy and Nice thinks they will not come for plunder, and as Davall is English he should not be hurt.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
9 Nov 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/54, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Writing on gilt paper to express his joy at Davall's escape [from threatened invasion of Switzerland by French forces]. Hopes that France "will settle into that manly rational liberty at which they professed to aim", only wishing that they has "some principle of religion & less debauchery". His lectures to the Royal Family: the Queen takes his notes to copy and asks questions, followed by half hour conversation, "nothing can be more easy, polite or pleasing".

Numbered comments on plants in Davall's sent July 1791: 'Geranium sanguineum biflorum', 'Pyrola secunda'; notes that 'Pyrola uniflora', Convallaria verticillata', 'Saxifraga cernua', 'Gentiana nivalis', and 'Stellaria cerastoides' have been found in Scotland; 'Mespilus amelanchia', '[Ranunculus] thora', 'Hypochaeris helvetica', 'Potamogeton marinum' H L, 'Veronica praecox' Allioni, 'Andropogon distachyon' and 'Andropogon ischaemum' extensive comments, 'Cerastium manticum' H L, 'Globularia cordiflora' H L, 'Thesium linophyllum' H L, 'Lotus angustissimus' H L, 'Cistus fumana' H L, 'Linum angustifolium', 'Linum tenuifolium' H L, 'Juncus bulbosus', 'Tussilago paradoxa', and 'Salix [incubacea]' [note H L probably signifies Herbarium Linnaeus].

Received faint congratulations from Sir Joseph Banks on his royal lectures. Wishes that if either of them should die their letters be returned to the other. [Adam] Afzelius and François [Borone] doing well in Sierra Leone and sending plants, bulbs and roots home but no specimens.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
26 Feb 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/56, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Continues his numbered comments on plants in Davall's packet of July 1791: 'Salix incubacea', 'Dianthus carthusianorum', 'Dianthus virgineus' [Nikolaus von] Jacquin "Florae Austriacae" vol 5 t 15 also 'Dianthus rupestris', 'Arenaria dianthoides', 'Dianthus diminutus', 'Arabis bellidifolia', 'Arabis hispidia' "Hortus Kewensis", error in 'Arabis hispida' "Systema Vegetabilum" ed 14, 'Turritis hirsuta', 'Turritis alpina', 'Cheiranthus erysimoides', 'Cheiranthus fruticulosus', 'Rannunculus gramineus', 'Arenaria pubescens', 'Cynoglossum'. Transcribes extract from his fern paper on genus 'Davallia', observations and species. Puzzled by 'Thlaspi', fears he told Davall wrong about his C in parcel of 1791, and that it is 'perfoliatum'; intends to tackle this genus after 'Arenaria'.

His "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" taking much of his time. Responds to Davall's letter of 11 January 1793: agrees with Davall on the French character; has communications with the Queen on plants; thinks he will soon be able to live by his own means; thanks Davall for recommending him to the Duchess of Devonshire [Georgiana Cavendish (1757-1806)].

Thinks Lady Rockingham is "too much a slave to her servants" and does not like her gardener, Greg. Will send plants for Davall from Botany Bay by Mr Mandrot. Not yet started on [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure's [(1740-1799)] lichens. Received encouraging letter from [Adam] Afzelius and François [Borone] in Sierra Leone; account of violence reported in Berne Gazette was probably occassioned by disturbance at Bulam. Glad to give 'Linum tenuifolium' to English botanists as they considered it an English plant. Aims to write six printing pages of his "Tour" every day. Hopes to get Davall a Dillenius ["Historia muscorum" (1741)] for about £10.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
12 May 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/59, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Note by Davall letter received 31 [May 1793]. Resonds to Davall's letter of 5 April 1793: congratulations on birth of son; grieved by state of Davall's health, approves of taking 'Cinchona' and recommends red port wine for costiveness.

Success of his lectures: zoological had seventeen subscribers and botanical twenty-four, including eight or nine ladies "of distinguished rank & elegance", they are beginning to be celebrated so another year would be better attended, and enjoys delivering them. His publications are bringing him some money. His "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" now printing after having held it back from diffidence and fear of altercations for "I must & will shew myself the friend of truth & humanity".

Receiving good things from François [Borone] in Sierra Leone, he proposes to return next December. Reports on Mr Este, who is very friendly and came to his lectures, believes he was distressed and ill used by Captain Topham and went abroad, but now editor of "The Courier", "a very democratic paper, but a very clever one", and he is going to Pavia soon. If he earns enough money and the political situation is quiet hopes to take a trip on the continent, but would contemplate going with a young man as a "bear-leader" to Italy.

"English Botany" after no.24 is being enlarged to six plates monthly and charge to half a crown. Justifies making a profit by the trouble it gives and inclusion of original material. Nearly 900 are sold and last month owned it as his in the "Gentleman's Magazine". Davall's accounts with [James] Sowerby and [James] Dickson, asks if he wants Dickson's "Hotus siccus Britannicus". Pleased Davall now has Dillenius' ["Historia muscorum"] though despairs of finding him [Paulo] Boccone's [(1633-1704) "Museo di piante rare" (1697)]. 'Celsia linearis' Jacq now common in gardens, it is 'Hemimeris'. There are only fifty copies of [Richard] Salisbury's "Macaroni" book, as [Jonas] Dryander calls it [probably "Icones stirpium rariorum" (1791)] but catalogue of his garden will do him much honour ["Prodromus stirpium in Horto ad Chapel Allerton vigentium" (1796)]. No news of Duchess of Devonshire [Georgiana Cavendish (1757-1806)] yet.

[Note in Davall's hand] "wrote in haste 4 June about sending me "English Botany" &c.".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
2 Jul 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/60, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Responds to Davall's letters of 11 May 1793 and 4 June 1793 [the latter is not extant in this collection]: answers Davall's rich packet on another paper [not extant], but will say no.12 is 'Triticum tenellum' HL and no.26 is 'Myagrum hispanicum' HL [HL is probably Herbarium Linnaeus]; thanks for plants and Mrs Davall's puzzling netted purse, his sister will try to copy it and piece of work of different kind for Mrs Davall. Sending Mrs Davall two spar eggs for netting from Matlock, [Derbyshire]._x000D_

Does not comprehend Davall's illness; his own health well but overcome with heat of town. Has a project to live in Kensington. Apologises for not sending Davall for his herbarium everything he could from England. Mandrot is taking parcel of 50 Botany Bay specimens for Davall, and numbers 16 to 31 of "English Botany", and another parcel containing [James] Sowerby's "Florists Delight" 2 and 3 and 80 more Botany Bay specimens sent another way. Comments on how rare these specimens are, considering how close Sir Jospeh Banks kept his voyage specimens, and half what he sends Davall are new to Banks also. Smith receives them from White, surgeon of the colony, has not had time to settle the names yet. Has asked [John] Fairbairn for Davall's seeds. 'Mornia' in Davall's garden, is in none here. [Adam] Afzelius happy to correspond with Davall, the colony in Sierra Leone "thrives admirably". Sending [James] Dickson's "Hortus siccus Britannicus" nos.1, 2 and 3. First volume of his "Sketch of a Tour of the Continent" published. Congratulates Davall on his son having had the smallpox. Encloses packet and letter to be forwarded to Montpellier, and has asked Broussonet to send letters via Davall as no post goes to France now on account of war. Asks if Davall's aunt remember Miss Butterworth from her school in Marlborough Street, now married to his cousin Kindersley, just returned from fourteen years in India. Updates Davall's account for books._x000D_

Various notes in Davall's hand on verso of second folio: wrote 11 October by Mrs Simpson with seed of 'Lavatera puncata', 'Minuartia campestris', and 'Androsace lactea'; forwarded letter from Victor Broussonet 2 August; note that when mentioning Jacquin's repetition of caps of 'Alstroemeria pelegrina' to see Colls vol 4 p.220; to mention parcel by Dorthes, done in letter of 6 Dec 1793; when writing again 'Hypochaeris uniflora' preferable to 'Helactica', 'Ranunculus [belliflorus], the print of dissertation.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
24 Sep 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/62, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks for Davall's letter of 16 August, packets of plant and seeds and bottle of 'Orchis abortiva' flowers. The '-oides' names given to the Australian plants are only temporary; working on a "Natural History of New Holland" with Dr [George] Shaw, unhappy with plan for each number to have two plates each of plants and animals but settled by Wilson who gave him the plants.

His youngest brother has died though as he had "fallen into total indolence" it is no loss; transcribes epitaph written for his grave and comments on his early promise including almost winning Royal Academy gold medal for design of a church. Hopes to publish "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" in December and urgently requests Davall to confirm his anecdote about Berne holding a fireworks display costing twice the amount Haller's collections were for in same year. Urges Davall not to fret over jealousy of the Swiss, "the envy of fools is one of the rewards of merit".

Thanks for Davall's observations on 'Lichen omphalodes', which will be tab 150 in "English Botany", 145 to be 'Pinguicula lusitanica', and 146 'Pyrola uniflora' from Scotland. [Adam] Afzelius and François safely returned from Sierra Leone with many fine things though climate too damp and insectiferous for specimens, the fruits and capsules most wonderful. Asks Davall to explain his and François [Borone's] scheme involving English garden specimens. [Thomas] Woodward happy to exchange specimens with Davall, as he uses Haller's books hopes Davall will convert him to Swiss botany. Is the Geneva 'Melampryum cristatum' different to the English. Would prefer Davall to send an original paper not based on DuCros.

Four pages of numbered botanical observations by Smith on Davall's parcel of plants received June 1793: 'Epilobium palustre' HL, 'Bromus arvensis' HL, 'Avena sativa' HL, 'Avena strigosa' Schreber, 'Avena fatua' HL, 'Avena fertilis' Allioni, '[Triticum] tenellum' HL, 'Minuartia campestris' HL, 'Cerinthe minor' HL, 'Ribes grossularia' HL, 'Chaerophyllum bulbosum' HL, 'Silene bellidifolia', 'Arenaria tetrequetra' HL, 'Myagrum rugosum', '[Thlaspi] perfoliatum' HL, 'Alyssum utriculatum' HL, 'Arabis pumila' Jacq, two species of 'Turritis' like 'Turritis hirsuta', 'Myagrum hispanicum', 'Geranium palustre' HL, '[Chrysanthemum] indicum', 'Chara flexilis', '[Carex] limosa' HL, 'Salix incubacea', '[Salix] purpurea', 'Salix repens' HL, 'Salix fusca' Flo Lapp, 'Valantia aparine' HL, 'Galium spurium' HL, '[Polypodium] alpinum a 'Cyathea', 'Phascum piliferum', 'Hieracium', 'Hieracium cymosum', 'Crepis leontodontoides'. One page of numbered remarks on lichens from Davall by Smith: 'Lichen albo-flavescens' Wulf., 'L. ulmi' Swartz, 'L. marmorens', 'L. exanthematicus', 'L. tumidulus', 'L. miniatus', 'L. fulgens' Swartz, 'L. saxifragus', 'L. spaeria' possibly 'L. reciptus' [HL probably Herbarium Linnaeus].

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
14 Mar 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/67, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Note by Davall letter received 28 March 1794.

Numbered botanical observations on packet of plants received from Davall 10 September [sent 16 August 1793]: 'Eriophorum alpinum', 'Melica ciliata', 'Avena orientalis', 'Saponaria ocymoides', 'Anemone alpina', 'Orchia abortiva', 'Ophrys ovata', 'Carex', 'Carex pauciflora', 'Carex leporina' HL, 'Carex chordorhiza', '[Salix triandra]', 'Lichen rimosus', 'Lichen perlatus', 'Linum flavum', 'Saxifraga mutata' HL. Gave [Samuel] Goodenough all of the 'Carex' specimens [HL probably signifies Herbarium Linnaeus].

Responds to Davall's letter of 13 October 1793: received and distributed seeds; anecdote of Haller's herbarium and fireworks came too late for printing in third volume of his "Sketch of a tour on the continent"; the liquor he uses to protect his plants is the Cajeput oil of 'Melaleuca leucadendron' "a thing not to be had but by chance and seldom pure", camphor also good either alone or dissolved in [spirit vinegar]; currently bathing his insects and moving them to a new cabinet.

Responds to Davall's letter of 6 December 1793: pleased by comments on Haller's herbarium and Davall's opinion of the matter; François [Borone] shortly leaving for Greece with [John] Sibthorp, although he is not permitted to collect his own plants; [Adam] Afzelius shortly returning to Sierra Leone, against his advice; does not pity Davall over the younger Haller's actions and urges him to publish whatever he has finished to avoid becoming like Sibthorp and his "Florae Graecae", although admits himself facing similar difficulties with his "Systema Vegetabilium" and is going on with a "Flora Britannica" in Latin; Este well and living 6 St George's Row, his travels to be published soon.

Responds to Davall's letter of 25 February 1794: condolences on death of Davall's aunt; busy with writing and two courses of lectures and another beginning at Guy's Hospital; his "Tour" meets with "unexpected commendation" and is selling fast, "the political part seems to conciliate most people"; difficulties with [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure's [(1740-1799)] lichens. His health good, Lady Rockingham "grows more whimsical and retired" but has heard nothing of the Duchess of Devonshire or Lady Dowager Spencer. A translation by a "hackney writer" [Joseph Trapp] of [Dietrich Heinrich] Stoever's "Life of Linnaeus" to be published. Offers specimen of 'Ophrys loeselii'.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
6 Jun 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/70, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

His lectures: gave two Germans and an American private courses; is to hold a course on every genus in the Linnaean herbarium, about 50 lectures of an hour each; his usual course of one of zoology and one of botany at home; and one of botany at Guy's hospital; making him very busy but the "profitableness" allows him to let other things give way to it. Spending summer in Norwich with relations from India [the Kinderlseys] and as he has often been asked will give course on zoology and botany at Norwich. Apologises for sending small packet of plants.

Responds to Davall's letter of 14 April 1794: subscibed Davall to [Joseph Trapp's] translation of [Dietrich Heinrich] Stoever's "Life of Linnaeus"; Davall's disorders those of sedentary people; [James] Dickson will communicate full instructions for Davall's proposed greenhouse; flower bud of Botany Bay plant 'Octandria' like an acorn but not the fruit.

Reponds to Davall's letter of 12 May 1794: thanks for [Jacob] Wyttenbach's anecdotes on Haller's collections, will insert them in second edition of his "Tour", if it gets one; general approbation in England for the "Tour" "is very strong" though some think "the politics not courtly enough": De Luc of Windsor thinks him too partial to Rousseau though the majority including the "most loyal & religious like that part of the book, & as to French politics most think I have drawn the line well between liberty & anarchy", it has procured him many new acquaintances and sales very rapid, corrects error in vol 3 p.133 for 'Carex filiformis' read 'capillaris'. Davall should have received second volume of "Linnean Transactions" via Mr de Morsier; 'Lichen saxifragus' correct, 'Lichen ulmi' Swartz is 'L. marmorens' of Dickson's "fasc.". After consultation with [James] Dickson sends account of [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure's [(1740-1799)] lichens [fifth folio] though except for 5 and 8 none of interest. 'Orchis abortiva' specimen not fresh enough for "English Botany", asks if fresher flower spikes could be sent. [James] Sowerby will return Davall's drawings. Sends his paper on ferns and specimens of 'Ophrys loeselii' and 'Malaxis paludosa'. Cannot yet answer Davall's most recent packet though comments that no.1 is not 'Veronica spuria' but probably variety of 'Veronica longifolia', no.2 not different from 'Milium effusum' HL and 'Milium confertum' very different; no.8 must be 'Scilla italica' HL [probably signifies Herbarium Linnaeus].

Current "aspect of politics" very alarming but believes they are safe from insurrection though many think otherwise. His "Tour" being translated into French and Italian, the latter "somewhat castrated". Duchess of Portland [Dorothy Bentinck] died; "we regret her much".

Numbered observations on de Saussure's lichens: 'Scutellis lividis', 'Lichen proboscideus', 'Lichen scaber' [Huds. in pencil], 'Lichen fahlunensis', 'Lichen geographicus', 'Lichen tessellatus' new sp obs, 'Lichen deustus' or 'decussatus' of Villars, 'Lichen pubescens', 'Lichen mesenteriformis' Jacquin "Miscellanea Austriaca" 2 t9 f5, 'L. deustus', 'L. loricatus' new species obs.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
26 Sep 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/72, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Note by Davall letter received 24 October [1794]._x000D_

Lectured in Norwich for three months "to a crowded & admiring audience [...] diffusing a taste for our beloved study". Returned to London to work on "English Botany" before seeing off family in Norwich returning to India [the Kindersleys]. Thanks Davall for packet, glad he likes his "Tour". Requests seeds of the 'Verbascum' and 'Digitalis', latter appears to be that described from Tournefort's oriental herbarium. News of botanists: letter from [Adam] Afzelius in Sierra Leone, François [Borone] in the Archipeligo with [John] Sibthorp, and Broussonet has taken refuge in Spain and is coming to England. Joseph Trapp's translation of "Life of Linnaeus" "odd, amusing, ridiculous, quackish, bombastic, [and] German".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
16 Mar 1795
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/74, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

The severe winter limited his literary pursuits as he had many colds. Reports death of his father on 8 March and his family's grief. Reports death of François Borone last October who fell from window in his sleep whilst staying in Athens with [John] Sibthorp and buried at the Church of the Madonna at Athens; shall dedicate a genus in the "New Holland Botany" to him and his skills and acuteness as a "martyr to botany". [Adam] Afzelius has lost his manuscripts and collections in Sierra Leone following raid by French. Este has published his tour, "very intelligent, very singular & very bold".

Informed that the Queen could not finish reading first volume of his own "Tour" as she "found so many bad things which she could never forgive"; has not yet asked her forgiveness and does not much regard her opinion though sorry she "mistakes her own solid interest in these critical times, which is to make friends of all moderate people".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
28 Oct 1795
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/77, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Note by Davall letter received 20 November.

Received no letters from Davall since 13 April and 19 June though he spoke of a long letter in gestation since January. Visited [Thomas] Johnes in Wales, "a man of taste, feeling, liberality & large fortune" with whom he became acquainted through his "Tour" and considers it repayment for losing the Queen by it. Moved from Marlborough Street to Hammersmith in September and now lives within 50 yards of Lee's garden, who died in the summer, succeeded by his son. Did not receive Davall's letter and 'Digitalis' seeds of 30 November. Marrying daughter of old friend of his father's and friend of his second sister's in March, her tastes the same as his. Spending next summer with Johnes, his ten year old daughter [Mariamne Johnes] "a most determined botanist & entomologist". Lady Rockingham in bad health following injudicious bleeding last summer. His eldest sister still single. [Adam] Afzelius expected from Sierra Leone, and [Francis] Masson [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector], [Archibald] Menzies, [John] Sibthorp are back in England, and [John] White from Botany Bay. Received letter from Broussonet dated Gibraltar; he can now return to France and his friends and property are all safe.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
2 Jul 1789
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/8, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Responds to points in Davall's letter of 5 May: 'Hister quadrimaculatus' extremely rare; 'Thilco' of Feucillée quoted in "Hortus Kewensis" for 'Fuschia coccinea'; sorry [Jean Louis Antoine] Reynier [(1762-1824), botanist] is in Linnean Society but he cannot be expelled; likes [James] Sowerby, they are to collaborating on a work ["Icones pictae"] dedicated to Lady Rockingham [Mary Watson-Wentworth] with "superb coloured plates"; her 'Euphorbia walleni' and 'Passiflora punctata' and his 'Antirrhinum reticulatum' complete. Sends fruits for [Jacob] Wyttenbach. Lots of seeds arriving from New Holland [Australia] including 'Banksia' at [James] Lee's. Hears nothing from [Werner de] Lachenal [(1736-1800), professor of botany at Basel].

Responds to Davall's letter of 22 May: 'Carex tomentosa' is correct and "right precious", no one except Sir Joseph Banks has seen it in England. Numbered observations on thirty plants in packet of same date: 'Carex foetida', 'Antirrhinum genistifolium', 'Cistus', 'Scirpus mucronatus', 'Scirpus triqueter', 'Potentialla opaca', 'Linum alpinum', 'Narcissus poeticus', 'Arenaria tenuifolia', 'Gnaphalium luteoalbum', 'Filago gallica', 'Carex saxatilis', 'Arenaria liniflora', 'Schoenus ferrugineus', 'Carex montana', 'Carex filiformis', 'Carex caespitosa', 'Carex elongata' Sp. Pl. ed 1 and Scheuchzer tab11 f4, 'Crapula rubens' HL, 'Narcissus pseudonarcissus', 'Potamogeton', 'Avena fragilis', 'Chara flexilis', 'Hypericum dubium', '[Hypericum] barbatum', 'Crepis biennis', 'Crepis virens', 'Salix arbuscula' HL, 'Scorzonera humilis', 'Turritis caerula', and 'Arenaria'.

François [Borone's, his assistant] intention to return to Milan has affected his plant collecting. Visiting Matlock, [Derbyshire], and [Richard] Salisbury this summer. Beautiful 'Fuchsia' thriving at Kew. Sending Davall his two most recently published books ["Plantarum icones" and "Reliquiae rudbeckianae"], [James] Dickson's "fasc[iculus] of dried plants", and 'Smithia sensitivia' as "harbringer" of Kew catalogue.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
17 Apr 1796
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/80, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Numbered botanical observations by Smith on parcel of plants received May 1794: 'Veronica longifolia', 'Poa angustifolia' HL and Hudson, 'Festuca spadicea', 'Galium anglicum' Hudson, 'Rubia tinctoria', 'Potamogeton', 'Juncus nivens' HL and Jacquin, 'Juncus angustifolius' Jacquin, 'Rumex hydrolapathum', 'Vaccinium uliginosum' HL, 'Silene dichotoma', 'Euphorbia amygdaloides' HL, 'Aconitum napellus', 'Thalictrum', 'Acquilegifolium' HL, 'Lamium laevigatum', 'Lamium album', 'Melampyrum cristatum' HL and "Flora Anglica", 'Antirrhinum gennistifolium' HL, 'Antirrhinum linaria' HL and "Flora Anglica", 'A. purpureum', 'Hesperis inodora' Jacquin and Linnaeus HL, 'Xeranthemum annum' HL, new 'Carex', 'Buxus sempervirens' HL, 'S. angustifolia', '[Salix] repens' [HL probably signifies Herbarium Linnaeus].

Responds to Davall's letters of 10th November 1795 and 29 December 1795: regrets death of Mandrot, honoured to be namesake for Davall's son, his summer plans, Davall is not entirely unhappy, vague plans for an Italian trip with wife, eldest sister sends her remembrances, joys of the Johnes family who they are staying with in Wales this summer.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
2 Nov 1796
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/82, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Responds to Davall's letter of 18 September 1796: thanks for seeds, sends numbers 42 to 66 of "English Botany". Enjoyed delightful tour of Wales by Bath, Bristol, Worcester and Oxford. Moving to Norwich for family comfort, leisure, and command of his time, but will still be in London three to four months every spring continuing his pursuits including lecturing at Guy's Hospital and Presidency of Linnean Society, which now has four vice-presidents. Sends fresh seed of true 'Vicia bithynica' from Weymouth; a new 'Vicia' there commonly taken for 'bithynica', will explain in "English Botany". A superb 'Renealmia' in flower at Grimwood's, the same as Rumphius' figure quoted in "Supp." for 'R. exaltata' and 'Globba nutans' Linnaeus; Smith calls it 'R. nutans'. Third volume of "Linnean Transactions" almost printed and he is working on a "Florula of New South Wales".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London