From Thomas Brittain   30 November 1876

Dear Sir

On Friday last Professor Williamson of Owens College¹ (an old friend of mine) lectured on Insectivorous Plants to the Science Students Assoⁿ of this city, and made use of my drawing, which I had previously used. Amongst them was one showing “Apocynum androsæmifolium” with insects captured by each of three flowers represented. As he had not met with it before, and as I dont find any account of it in your most interesting book on the subject I take the liberty of calling your attention to the plant although it is likely you have met with it before.²

The little bit of the plant I have is dried. It was given me ⁠⟨⁠by⁠⟩⁠ my Nephew Mr Councillor F Brittain³ of ⁠⟨⁠Sh⁠⟩⁠effield who found it in France and I am informed that it grows over a large part of america. If you care to see my specimen I shall be glad to send it you; but I fear it is too small and dried up to serve any usefull purpose.

This is a rough representation of my specimen ※ two wings of a dipterous fly. Flowers are brownish yellow but I dont think that is the original colour.

I am sure my Nephew who frequently goes to France will have pleasure in looking out for fresh specimens for your use if you desire him to do so—

Let me in conclusion thank you for the pleasure I have had in the study of your book

Yours truly | Tho^s Brittain.