TALBOT708

Croft Rectory n^r North Allerton.
July 29. 1816.

Sir –

My highly valued friend Hooker, ¹ in a letter rec^d from him this morning, mentions you as a strenuous muscologist – a branch of Botany to which I was once most enthusiastically attached. I have, in consequence of his letter, taken the liberty of offering every little assistance in my power, & assuring you that, sh^d y^r favorite pursuit induce you to come so far North as Croft, I will do my best to entertain you under the roof of the Rectory, & will either accompany or direct you to a valley in the C^y of Durham which has been pointed out to me as a fine field for muscological researches. Brother Linnæans, Sir, sh^d not be ceremonious with each other, – & if not always so ready to communicate their treasures, as they ought to be so. I hope, therefore, you will make what use of me you think necessary. want of a stimulus here has greatly abated my Botanical ardor – but it is not extinct; – & the remainder, such as it is, is much at your service.

I am, Sir, your most obedient servant
James Dalton.

W. H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Castleford
Ferry-bridge.