From R. T. Lowe   12 January 1830

My dear Henslow

I have been very busy all morn. ^g packing up another large box besides the one of birds mentioned in a former letter. Most unfortunately for the birds (w. ^ch have been ready packed more than a month, the vessel that takes them has been delayed all that time in port by the bad weather. I cannot help being afraid they may have taken injury, yet every precaution has been taken to preserve them all this time from damp, insects &c so that I trust they will reach you in good condition. The piece of Coral Goryonia verrucosa in this box is for yrself. The other box contains, Branch of Dragon tree (fresh & green) with ripe fruit – Jar of fish No. I. – D ^o. N ^o. II. – Jar A. 2 ripe Mangoes (Mangifera indica) Bottle B. Flowers of Teucrium abutiloides. – [Torn and ill.] Fruit of Ardisia excelsa D ^o. D. Oil extracted from the berries [of] Laurus (Persea) canariensis. – E. Fruit of Ficus stipulata & Dracaena Draco. -- F. Fruit of Vaccinium padifolium Sm. (V. maderense Spr.). – Spec ^m of Antipathes, scapania Lam. ^x? attached to a rock. – Spec ^m of the Canical concretions; see Bowd. Suppl.

The Birds, Fish N ^os. I & II., Bottles N. ^os B, C, D, E, F, Antipathes & Canical concretions are for the [ill.del.] Philos. Soc. (you of course making first what use you please of them). -- The Fish sh ^d be dispersed each in separate Glass jars as soon as poss: my tickets must be left on them that I may hereafter be able properly to arrange them. Several of them are new. I shall now keep sending more to make a complete Collection. I sh. ^d wish all my things both now & hereafter to be left as much as possible together till I can come when the whole is completed to arrange them myself.– I am wishing much to hear from you. Kind regards to all friends, particularly L. Jenyns & tell him it annoys me that I cannot reply to his last letter this time. Both boxes are dedicated to y. ^r brother’s care. Freight paid for both. viz 1£ 10s.

Y. ^rs ever sincerely | R. T. Lowe

[reverse] L. Inn Tuesday

dear John

As directed I have stripped this half sheet of its outer clothing which I have sent to the Custom House Gent.- with instructions to forwardsame cases to you with all the dispatch immediately- We are all quite well – love & - Your affect ^e brother

S. W. Henslow