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From:
Francis Hamilton
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
9 Jan 1808
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/2/132, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Has been investigating the Dinagepour [Dinajpur] district of India but has had very little botanical success due to the season being unfavourable although optimistic about spending the spring in the Assam region. Sends seeds of 'Ocimum sanctum' [Holy Basil] and a species which is probably the 'Ocimum gratissimum' of Linnaeus so as to allow Smith to clear up any doubts and the differences between these and the Sweet Basil.

Comments on "Babui Toolsee" [babui tulsi, Hindi] and seeds which give "fine nourishment", perplexed that the natives give preference to the other plant which has "nothing remarkable about it". States that the "Encycl. Method." names 'Ocimum basilicum' as the holy Toolsy [tulsi] of the Hindus but believes what he is sending is the real plant, which is cultivated, whilst the "Babui Toolsee" grows wild.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London