TALBOT1126

Glasgow.
Nov^r 25^th 1823

My dear Sir

I am afraid you will think me ungrateful that I have not acknowledged to you the receipt of your two kind & welcome letters ¹ from Italy, & of the parcel of plants, which contained several things that I was particularly glad to see. The fact was that very numerous occupations, much illness in my family, 2 journeys to England, & others to the Highlands of Scotland, so completely occupied my time that when I had the opportunity to write I knew not where to direct to you, with the probability of the letter’s finding you; as you seemed to have no fixed residence on the continent. Be assured that I feel very sensibly your kindness in thinking of me as you did, during your travels: & you have given me much information relative to plants which you met with in a fresh state, that I shall profit of in my publications.

I returned from London only 3 weeks ago; but most certainly without any idea of your being there, or I should have been delighted to have seen you. I have written to Tenori ². If you are in correspondence with Moretti ³ I wish you could procure me a copy of his Flora Italica, which I long much to see. Any plants, too, that you can send me from that country will be more acceptable than ever. My “System of Plants” ⁴ is going to press almost immediately & the more specimens I have to examine, myself, from all countries, the more perfect my work will be. Your hints respecting the colours of flowers I shall not forget & shall notice them under every species when they form a distinguishing mark; but there is a rule against their being employed in the specific character.

Can you give me M. Gay’s ⁵ exact address in Paris? Could I, through him, do you suppose, subscribe to Professor Salzmann’s Fasciculi of Tangiers Plants?

I am still delaying the publication of the 2^d edition of my Muscologia Britannica: ⁶ but this will be all for its advantage. There are no less than 5 new species added to it during this last summer in Scotland. Pray let me know if you are still partial to the Mosses & would like to complete your collection. I shall have great pleasure in sending you any species.

I am, my dear Sir, Very truly & faithfully Yours,
W. J. Hooker.

W. H. Talbot Esq^re
31. Sackville street
London.