To John Phillips 10 February 1834

My dear Sir,

I have only returned this evening to Cambridge & sit down immediately to answer your last. In truth I saw it a week ago when I was here for a day & did what I could in consulting with Whewell & distributing the Recommendations - but I forgot during my day away to write to you. I could distribute about 200 Copies in this neighbourhood. I selected those names which I thought most likely to profit by them. Would it not be best whenever you send one anything for distribution to mark a list of names (the printed one for example) with a notice with those to whom I may circulate (!) & to send similar lists to others - or better still for you to direct the pamphlet or letter as I did the circulars about the lithogs. & then make up packets for the different depots. We are sure to get into some confusion if something of this sort is not done. I hardly know how to advise for Edinburgh - a few generalities must suffice as answers to your queries.

(1) The Council of 20 Feb. sd issue orders in general & all detail left to the Secretaries who must be allowed carte blanche for every arrangt. not contradictory to the Council's orders.

(2) I am quite willing to forego the 1st week's shooting for Edinburgh (if I can get there) & I sd. think that all scientific sportsmen would do the same.

(3) The Cal. Hort. Soc. meeting a good reason for our meeting taking place then.

(4) The earlier the announcement the better.

(5) Advertisements in lieu of circulars would infallibly succeed in thinning the meeting!

(6) Expense of circulars &c too trifling to make it worthwhile considering the minimum.

(7) As for things to be done at the morning & evening meetings, Whewell observes that the great point is to have some rules ready for answering objectors to any proposed routine.

(8) Botanical exhibition not to be desired or expected.

(9) To franking foreigners I wd add appointing them seats at the meeting - & it would be a good plan to have printed bills on the seats appointed for the various officers - it wd save confusion to keep the fair sex within juster limits than they occasionally observed at Cambridge.

Surely our Northern Brethren, having a good will, need fear nothing about the success of their arrangements - but if Dr Robinson has any queries on particular points I shall be happy at any time to reply to the best of my ability - & now I must conclude with a serious appeal to your gallantry. Where is Miss Jermyn's M. S. You have my word pledged for its safe delivery. Don't forget to return it as I shall get sadly scolded.

Yrs ever truly

J. S. Henslow