From:
Charles Lyell
To:
Susan
Date:
19th century
Source of text:
MM/9/1, Royal Society
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
Royal Society
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Scrope does not mention the depth to which the current has cut the granite in his memoir. In CL's revision can he quote JH on the pebbles?
Sends today the remainder of his astronomical chapter. JH's comments or corrections will be welcome.
Thanks Smith for naming 'Opegrapha lyelli' after him and accepting numerous specimens, believes the species is distinct despite variations towards 'Opegrapha dendritica' and 'Opegrapha pulverulenta'. Thanks Smith for the notice he took of 'Lichen pollinarius' in "English Botany" which encouraged him in further investigation of mosses and lichens in his vicinity.
Has left specimens from George Don for Smith with [James] Sowerby. Employed Don to plant a shrubbery at his Angus residence, praises his botanical skills. Don accused by his "namesake at Cambridge" [James Donn (1758-1813) curator of Cambridge Botanic Garden] of acquiring from Cambridge his "pretended discoveries" as seeds, including: 'Hypericum barbatum', 'Centaurea intybacea', and 'Lamium dissectum?'; his 'Potentilla opaca' is the 'Potentilla obscura', and doubts 'Galium verrucosum'. Recommends Don's habitats be examined by trustworthy botanist; laments that neither [Dawson] Turner, [William Jackson] Hooker, or [William] Borrer ever went to Forfar during their trips to Scotland.
Delayed sending plant specimens for Smith from George Don and they now have mildew. Was unable to accompany Don to verify habitats of 'Lychnis alpina' and 'Ranunculus alpestris' at the Rocks of Clova in Scotland but believes he has no intention to deceive. Refers to Don's discoveries of 'Cheiranthus incanus', 'Oenothera biennis', and 'Potentilla tridentata' and his response to letters from Smith and Samuel Goodenough as evidence, along with description of his methods. Discusses Don's interactions with Smith's 'Festuca triflora', 'Arundo neglecta', 'Chaerophyllum aureum', 'Chaerophyllum sylvestre', 'Saxifraga geranioides' and other 'Saxifraga'. Smith still to pronounce on Don's 'Carduus polyanthemos', [James] Brodie thinks it 'Carduus leucographus'. Establishing plantations in the north, would like large quantities of 'Salix russelliana' if its use in tanning is proven, requests recommendation for nurseryman to supply 'Salix fragilis', and asks whether 'Populus tremula' is the poplar that grows in Swedish forests. Looking forward to seeing fourth volume of "Flora Britannica" and Linnaeus' "Lapland Tour".
Forwards a parcel of specimens from [George] Don, who is "as enthusiastic & indefatigable as ever".
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]
Shock at death of George Don, asks that if one of the last plates for Smith's "elegant work" [presumably "English Botany"] is one of Don's discoveries he should be commemorated in it.
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Sending this note to inform JH that he began his own serpentine paper on Friday and next Friday intends to read JH's paper on Predazzo. Would like to go over the paper with JH beforehand. Intends to publish his own paper in Brewster's Journal. Can JH meet CL here Wednesday morning?
Believes that JH is acquainted with R. I. Murchison, who is to accompany CL to see the works of M. I./I. K. Brunel's Thames tunnel, after they have gone through JH's paper. Would JH like to accompany them?
Arrived here yesterday with the Murchisons and starts tomorrow for the Vicentini. Would welcome JH's advice on what to see and read when in Sicily.
Carlo Gemmellaro measured elevation of Benedictine monastery on Mount Etna at 294 canne [6,688 feet].
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