Thanks for the criticism [see JG's 1813-6-21]; is considering publication.
Thanks for the criticism [see JG's 1813-6-21]; is considering publication.
Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. a 'Cercia' gathered in shade of Clova mountain; 2. a 'Pyrethrum', new species found some years ago; 3. a nondescript 'Epilobium' from River Novan; 4. 'Chaerophyllum aromaticum' sent two years ago, discovered by River [indecipherable]; 5. a 'Mentha' possibly variety of 'M. arvensis, proposes name 'M. alpina'; 6. nondescript 'Hieracium' discovered Clova 1812, proposes name 'H. viridiflorum'; 7. a 'Hieracium', same as specimen 3 sent 23 June 1813.
Wishes Smith success in his Cambridge candidature [to become professor of botany]; has written to [William] Smyth [(1765-1849)], the history professor, in support of Smith. Remains lame but his sciatica pain reduced. Praises Smith's "New Doctors" song and epigram on Holkham. Fears they will not meet this year. Spending a few days at his Moss farm; recently sold 1000 acres to Willis Earle, and his son, James, has undertaken a large lot; farming now become his chief business, pictures and other works of art his amusement, and abhors politics and seldom reads books.
Forwarding packets [from George Don], from his comfortable retreat; London much busier than usual this year. Comments on how "indefatigable" [George] Don is, "there is no end to his researches", and "would almost suspect that he had sowed seeds of foreigners". Thinks Don mistaken with his 'Anthoxanthum'.
Mr Holme has arrived here and brought 'Rosa rubella' of "English botany" and 'Cistus marifolius', Holme originally though latter was two species, 'C. marifolius' and C. polifolius'; observations on characteristics.
Sends unpublished monographia of 28 new species of 'Laurel' that he discovered and drew in South America. Asks Smith to review it and inform him of any deviations from Linnaeus' system. Offers to sell specimens. States he was in South America for 11 years, enduring tempests at Cape Horn and in the South Sea; the revolution of the Indians under "Tupac Amaro" [Túpac Amaru II (José Gabriel Túpac Amaru) (1742-1781) leader of an indigenous uprising in 1780 against the Spanish in Peru]; and "the bayonets of famous scholars" in Spain, namely Neron, Targuine, and Maguiable Bonaparte.
Two address labels addressed to Smith in English and Spanish.
Flattered that [William Jackson] Hooker has consented to the enclosed 'Jungermannia' being named after him ['J. hookeri'], hopes it will appear in "English botany" [Smith has noted "EB t.2555" on recto of second folio]; description, including habitat.
["Spec 18" written in pencil top of verso of first folio]
Regarding his new researches into the theory of determining functions from given conditions. The printing of his memoir is proceeding slowly.
Has had manuscript [see JG's 1813-7-14] privately printed with the title Crispin, only six copies and not for sale.
Introduces Charles Fueter; establishment of Local Bot. Gard. and Museum.
Butt puzzled by a 'Rubus' which grows in a nearby wood, gives descriptions in Latin of three varities and in English of his variety, which he thinks may be a hybrid of raspberry and blackberry, would like Smith's observations.
Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Will do all he can to promote Smith's candidacy and advises him to apply for Roger Wilbraham's assistance in obtaining votes.
Encourages Roscoe and Mrs Roscoe to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] this autumn. Thanks for Roscoe recommending his Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship] to Professor [William] Smyth [(1765-1849), historian]; lists his many "warm & weighty friends", including: the Vice-Chancellor, the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel], the Masters of Caius [Martin Davy], Downing [William Frere (1775-1836)], and Pembroke [Joseph Turner (1747-1828)], the Provost of King's [Humphrey Sumner], and others.
Professor [Thomas] Martyn has offered to resign whenever best suited; details of the three part position and plan for securing the professorship. Asks Roscoe to recommend him to the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University], hopes that he will act in favour of "whiggism & science, against mere old-fashioned espirit de corps". There are no legal obstacles or subscriptions against him but fears the Rutland interest or the Bishop of Ely [Bowyer Sparke (1759-1836)] being used against him. Coke is obtaining interests of Duke of Bedford and Lord Hardwicke; asks Roscoe to gain support of [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician]. Recommends his biography of [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis [(1732-1808), botanist] in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".
Urges to send copies of [S. F.] Lacroix's work and École polytechnique journal. James Grahame is successfully studying law. Grahame's father is staying with JH and his presence makes JH 'better and wiser.' Has been thinking much. Hopes JW will check on printing of Memoirs of the Analytical Society. [Letter completed 1813-8-3.]
Has sent [James] Sowerby 'Carduus tuberosus'. Relates how a grandson of Dr [Nehemia] Grew [(1641-1712) pioneering of plant anatomy] introduced himself. Hopes to soon send to Sowerby an 'Oenothera' in flower from Mexico. Recommended Smith's "Introduction to Botany" as the best introductory work for a friend's sons.
Whilst investigating respiratory organs of different animals he discovered that the circulation of the butterfly is performed by a heart, and has since observed it in other insects, particularly the garden snail.
Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Smith could have contacted him about his candidacy without [Thomas William] Coke's insistence. Unable to offer much assistance as he removed himself from Trinity College twenty-eight years ago; canvassed a Mr Davies for Smith but received an evasive answer.
Found species of 'Trifolium' near here, hopes it is 'Trifolium squarrosum' Willdenow [Smith has annotated "right HL"]; comparison with Spanish specimen. Also found new 'Verrucaria' and 'Lecidea'; observations.
[Spec 12 written in pencil on verso of first folio]
Has applied for position of Keeper of Natural History at British Museum vacant by death of [George] Shaw; solicits Smith's support. [William George] Maton has presented his application to Sir Joseph Banks. Expects to finish his history of Hampshire within the next year and to then devote himself to natural history. Requests Smith to present his application to the Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North].
Gives further instructions on sending books [see JH's 1813-8-2]. Comments on 'refractory' nature of religious thought. Is not in love, but teases JW about frequent visits to Thackerays. Recounts current heavy involvement in music, asking [Thomas?] Greenwood for help with harmonies.
Informed in confidence that [Charles] Konig will most likely become Keeper of Natural History at British Museum in consequence of his "great exertion" in arrangement of the Greville minerals. [Bingley] believes he has great friends in the Museum, having heard of [George] Shaw's death less than 24 hours later.
Pledges his support to Smith for situation of Professor of Botany [at Cambridge], though his name has long been taken off the boards for voting. Asks for Smith's continued support in his campaign for Keeper position, and to interest Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North], Archbishop of Canterbury [Charles Manners-Sutton (1755-1828)], and Sir Joseph Banks to his cause.