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The Correspondence of John Stevens Henslow
John Stevens Henslow (1796–1861) spent his adult life attached to the University of Cambridge. He graduated in mathematics in 1818, then acted as a demonstrator for the Professor of Chemistry, carried out and published papers on field geology, and was a founder of the Cambridge Philosophical Society in 1821. He held two University Chairs: Mineralogy from 1823–27, and Botany from 1825 until his death in 1861.
Henslow was closely involved in University affairs and the introduction of science into the Cambridge Tripos. He was a gifted teacher and pedagogic innovator. His best-known student was Charles Darwin, with whom he maintained a life-long friendship and correspondence. Henslow also acted as the (unofficial) agent for Lord Palmerston, one of the University’s two MPs, in the election of 1826.
In 1823 Henslow was ordained and became curate of Little St Mary’s. He was awarded the living of Cholsey in 1835, and became Rector of Hitcham, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, in 1837. Henslow moved to Hitcham, but continued giving his botany course at Cambridge in May every year until his death. During this time, he attempted to introduce science into agriculture nationally and locally, whilst also taking steps to improve the lives of agricultural labourers. Universal education was a constant concern for him, through the University of London, the Department of Science and Art, regional museums, and his parish school.
Henslow had a network of correspondents across all levels of society, nearly 300 in these surviving letters. The letters he retained until his death are mostly held in the Cambridge University Library, but others have been dispersed around the world. Letters between Henslow and Darwin were published in 1967 (by Nora Barlow) and also in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (from 1985 onwards).
The Henslow letters have been collected and transcribed by M. E. Edmunds, K. H. Joice, A. L. Jones, D. Kohn, J. G. Murrell and J. S. Parker.
Approves of the idea of a system of allotments for the agricultural population if they are near to their cottages. Reluctant to attend a meeting of Suffolk proprietors as his views differ greatly from most of them, particularly in relation to the Corn Laws.
Compliments JSH on his account of the excavation of tumulus at Ringham. Says he has not seen Cuscuta in local region but may have seen evidence of it in scorched appearance of Berkshire clover fields.
States that his wheat harvest is not as good as previous year, but less mildewed. Describes experiment of growing different varieties of wheat in his garden, undermined by rats gaining access to them. Has observed a field of mustard on one of his farms, farmer states that it is good food for sheep and partridges.
Comments on the importance of John Warne’s flax growing scheme and growth of a large quantity of flax on a single acre at Thaxted. Also comments favourably on Warne’s theory of feeding oxen in boxes.
Fears he will have few guests for the Saffron Walden Agricultural Society annual meeting but pleased that JSH will be in attendance along with Edward Everett, the American Ambassador. JSH to advocate cooperative agricultural experiments at the meeting.
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Discusses sending fossils and shells to Woodwardian Collection with Adam Sedgwick and a turtle from Harwich to the Royal College of Surgeons. Encloses a letter to be read and forwarded to ‘McBeath’.
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