No summary available.
No summary available.
Found 'Fucus pygmaeus' at a great height above sea level on Hoy mountain, [Orkney]. Encloses a chapter on the natural history of Edinburgh [not extant] he wrote for [John] Stark's "Picture of Edinburgh", [George] Don claims five of the plants described therein are his discovery, Neill defends himself and complains about Don. First natural history lectures in Edinburgh since the death of Dr [John] Walker [(1731-1803) professor of natural history] are to be held this summer by [Robert] Jameson [(1774–1854)] who is "fond of mineralogy and the Wernerian geology". The Natural History Society "begins to lift up its head" but has few members. John Mackay's [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] memorial erected, will send a printed copy [this was sent at an unknown later date but included with this letter].
Classes about to begin tomorrow so sending a few moss and plant specimens now, not expecting much time to do so in the summer. Observations on enclosed specimens: new 'Potentilla', proposes name 'P. alpina'; nondescript 'Saxifraga'; possible new 'Gymnostomum', proposes name 'G. martima'; new 'Dicranum' like 'D. pulvinatum'.
Observations on previoulsy sent 'Gymnostomum apocarpum', differences from 'G. ciliatum'. Also sends a 'Somemum'.
Has sent a collection of lichens on board the ship "Hazard" to be landed at Downes Wharf, regrets it is not as extensive as he would have wished. Observations on enclosed specimens: 'Rumex patientia', and three 'Lichen' from various mountains [extant].
Three 'Lichen' specimens, labelled.
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Smith's last 6 weeks completely occupied "in body & mind", whilst she has been enjoying "complete repose". Asks if Smith has seen his admirers Mr Nicholls and [Thomas James] Mathias [(1754-1835), satirist], if the latter is author of "Pursuits of Literature" [a satirical poem published 1794, Mathias was the author] his praise is "no mean commendation". Sorry to observe in note to that work a question on how ladies could be "modestly instructed in botany", believes Dr [Erasmus] Darwin to be thanked for this censure; will be glad to see "this beautiful & innocent study rescued from all objection" by Smith' pen, further discussion of this. If Dr [Henry] Reeve settles at Norwich it will preclude all of Smith's ideas [possibly regarding practising medicine], but she would be happy for them to be in a cottage than have the collections sold for a carriage. Her excursions around Lowestoft, including discharge of cannon by the fleet at Yarmouth, [Norfolk], in commemoration of 29 May. Recommends seeing Mr Angerstick's collection of pictures, going to Gisleham, [Suffolk].
Details reception of Roscoe's paper [on 'Scitamineae'] at Linnean Society; approved by everybody, especially [Jonas] Dryander, who has suggested some changes in terminology after he and Smith went through all the paper's references and specimens. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and [William Townsend] Aiton also praised it, though they are convinced Roscoe could not have had the knowledge and materials and that it was written by Smith.
According to Lord Blandford the Norwich Paving Bill did not meet with opposition in the House of Lords. Misses his botanical conversations with Smith.
By direction of Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the East India Company sends set of [William Roxburgh's] "Plants of the Coast of Coromandel"].
His lectures ended on 4 June; the last very well attended and applauded, even though it was entirely without preparation. His time here with Sir William and Lady East; her liver complaint. They are to visit the Marquis of Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill]. [Thomas] Velley killed on Sunday at Reading by jumping from an out of control coach; if he had stayed seated he would have lived. Norwich paving bill past in House of Lords, with opposition.
His lectures have not lost any credit and he has been engaged again for next spring. Resolved to publish an "introductory book" on botany before next spring; fears Mrs [Jane] Barrington will not live to receive the dedication. Happy Dr [Henry] Reeve is to settle in Norwich. William with him [Smith's brother?].
Thanks for Smith's and [Jonas] Dryander's remarks on his 'Scitamineae' paper; plans to add some notes before it is printed and other corrections based on fifteen Scitamineae plants sent by Lord Seaforth [Francis Humberston Mackenzie] from Barbados. Details some of the corrections he is making for second edition of "[Life and Pontificate of] Leo [the Tenth]".
No summary available.
No summary available.
Returns his revised paper on 'Scitamineae'; details some of the changes including rearrangement of genus 'Canna' after observations and thinks all the varieties marked in "Hortus Kewensis" are distinct species. Has been making improvements to his lands and buildings since start of the year. Encourages Smith to investigate difficult genus 'Amomum'. Has no interest in critical reviews of "Exotic botany" and encourages Smith to continue it, thinking that it will "answer much better in the result" than "English Botany".
Received Smith's letter yesterday, remarks on potatoes. Heard from [Benjamin] Malkin [(1769-1842), antiquarian] that Smith's book ["A tour to Hafod" (1810)] was in a "fair way of being made publick". Discusses views and drawings of Hafod, a plan of house, drawing of the mosaic "with its proper colours", internal rearrangements he has made, an engraving of the obelisk he erected to the late [Francis Russell, 5th] Duke of Bedford [(1765-1802)], has no drawing of the "charming chain bridge" on a new walk he has made.
They are all in good health except for [Hanbury] Williams [his brother-in-law], who seems "on the decline", though "if he would not give such way to his grief" [following death of his wife and Johnes' sister, Elizabeth] he would "last some time". Delightful weather and fine foliage, though the "urns of my river gods are almost dry".
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No summary available.
No summary available.
Shall probably accompany the new Governor-General [Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 1st Earl of Minto (1751-1814)] to India. Pleased with commencement of his Nepalese flora in "the exotic plants" [probably "Exotic Botany"] but notes the incorrect spelling of his name. Asks Smith for [Amelia] Hume's assistance in soliciting [Jacob] Bosanquet [a director of East India Company] to forward his views on India.