From:
A Crocker
To:
Joseph Banks
Date:
11 August 1781
Source of text:
L&P/7/220, Royal Society
Summary:
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Contributor:
Royal Society
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Thanks for specimens; some observations. The three specimens from [John] Pitchford are 'Byssus furcata', 'Byssus fubra', and 'Polypodium thelypteris'.
Thanks for 'Bryum rigidum'. No author on Fungi is "to be depended upon", criticises [William] H[udson (c 1730-1793), botanist] and [John] Lightfoot's works. Studying fungi, received some from [James] Crowe. Smith wrong about 'Elymus arenarius'. An 'Elymus philadelphicus' at Sir Joseph Banks'. Has a specimen of 'Elatine alsinastrum'. An 'Arbutus andrachne' sold at [John] Fothergill's [(1712-1780) physician and plant collector] for 51 guineas was not half as large as one at Chelsea.
Smith's unpleasant journey to Sheffield, does not regret making the journey with him. Warns Smith against placing too much trust in the acquaintance he made in the coach, and not to overload himself with new acquaintances. His return journey. Fanny, [Smith's sister], unwell on his return. News of mutual friends including [John] Pitchford, and [James] Crowe.
Pleased to hear of Smith's successes in Edinburgh; his hopes for him, certain he will "shun the immoral & profane both from taste & principle". Warns Smith against "gaiety" of Lubbock. Discusses Smith's recommendations and practicalities of his education there. Approves of Smith hiring a Latin tutor; importance of Latin and Greek. Benefits gained from study of nature. Glad Smith has so many ladies in his acquaintance but warns him against becoming distracted from his studies.
Smith's sister, Fanny, had a fever but now recovered and Nanny Cullyer, their last nursemaid, is dying from a putrid fever. Glad Smith met Lord Monboddo, usefulness of knowing such people. Reminds Smith not to press his stomach against the table when writing. News of [Thomas] Woodward, and criticisms of Mrs Patterson. Effects of the Dutch War on trade.
Confident success of Smith's studies, acquaintances, and friendship with Dr [John] Hope will prevent him from being led astray by "bounders" or the "blandishments of beauty". In terms of medicine he is a "Brownist" and believes in keeping the body "braced" by cold immersions to keep it in health. Warns Smith to be wary of "strict friendships". News of Smith's brothers Richard and Francis. Decided not to re-let the College Farm at end of present lease on account of sadness of Smith being absent from the place he used to cultivate and botanise. Norwich news, including Mrs Patterson. Smith's sister, Esther, has been violently ill with a fever but now slowly recovering. Politics: news of election for sheriff, despair at state of the country. Admires the Scottish for their "zeal for the Protestant Religion" but thinks two sermons at a time "rather too much".
Norwich news, including movements of [Thomas] Woodward and [James] Crowe. [John] Lightfoot thinks 'Clathrus flavus' is 'Mucor sphaerocephalus' and calls Woodward's 'Byssus' a 'Helvella polymorpha', it is not in [John] Ray's ["Synopsis methodica"] but is close to a figure in Schaeffer ["Descripto fungorum"]. According to Lightfoot the best collection of fungi is that of [Johann Jacob] Dillenius at Oxford. Crowe found 'Monotropa hypopitys' at Bracon, [Lincolnshire], and received 'Helvella planus' from [Henry] Bryant. Mr Humphrey found 'Agaricus quercinus'.
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