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From:
Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
21 Mar 1805
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/7/94, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Has not heard from Smith for a year but anxious for his observations. Has been assisted by [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow but doubtful whether "he has hit the Linnaean plant". Complains about how often Linnaeus is wrongly cited, even in [Jan Frederik] Gronovius' "Flora Virginica". Asks if there is anyone in London to compare American plants with herbarium of Gronovius and [John] Clayton, which is in London. Has asked a similar question in Paris of [André] Michaux's herbarium, whom he remarks neglected to keep Linnaeus' received names. List of queries from "Flora Virginica" by page, asks if "Linnean Transactions" might not answer these and similar queries for those "who live at a distance from the fountain". A second list of queries asking Smith to fix the names of some plants he previously sent. Asks permission to send another packet of plants, will send it with Mr Lyons, gardener at William Hamilton's "excellent botanical garden" near Philadelphia. Asks if Dawson Turner is still alive as Turner wanted 'Conferva' specimens. News of North American botanical publications: reviews Michaux's work ["Flora Boreali-Americana"]; Barton preparing a Flora of Pennsylvania and possibly neighbouring states; Brickel preparing a Flora Georgiana; himself compiling a description of indiginous Lancastrian plants but struggles with the cryptogamia class compounded by death of [Johann] Hedwig, anxious to see the relevant volume of "Flora Britannica". Gives brief descriptions of local species of 'Populus' to help Smith determine them.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
James Sowerby
Date:
21 Mar 1805
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/JS/10, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sends parcel of poplar and alder specimens to sketch, including polar flowers; Sowerby may find the birch near London, and should draw 'Betula nana' from a garden; will send poplar leaves in June from the same trees. Pleased the 'Cyamus' seed was in such good order, what he found agrees with Gaertner's figure. Returns Mr Lewis' letter and scheme of classes, his ideas "sensible but not new". Intends to buy [George] Don's "fasiculi" ["Herb. Britannicum" (1804-1812) ?] through Sowerby, though "out of regard to him only" as there is nothing he wants.

Approves of Sowerby's patterns for "Flora Graeca", though a correction is needed with colouring of 'Bromus'. Sowerby should use one or two of [Archibald] Menzies' species of 'Boronia', if they have retained their colour, for "Exotic botany", the rest to be engraved for Linnean Society. Does not think the patters for "Exotic botany" well coloured, except 'Diuris maculata'. Returns Sowerby's mineralogy manuscript. Sowerby's sketches from Don's specimens "excellent". [James] Crowe approves figure of 'Salix acuminata' in last "English botany"; he paid 6 guineas for Sowerby's microscope.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London