From C. C. Babington 28 March 1860

Dear Henslow

I hope that you will be here to attend the Nat. Science Board next term. I find myself in some difficulty often from want of experience in examinations. I am directed to ask you to communicate to me your ideas in writing (to be placed before the board after Easter) concerning the extent of the Botany to be required in the examination of B. A. in Nat. Science. It is intended to make the examination more extensive and searching than that of the late N. S. tripos by giving more papers and more time. Would you recommend books? or not.

The examination is to be looked at in the first place as Educational and secondly as honorary (I suppose he means as conferring honour) [Henslow insertion]

I believe that there is now a plan of study, or something of that kind, which was issued by the Professors to guide candidates for the N. S. tripos. Is it not so? I have not got it if it is in existence.

What we now want is issue as soon as possible a guide to the students for the N. Sc. B. A. examination. Of course description of specimens will be absolutely requisite. Do you not think that Lindley's Elements is a good book for use in such Educational study. It seems to be to be well suited to teach in such an exact manner. In short to form the book-work of the Botany to some degree.

It is also proposed that the application of Botany is to be taken into account, and the connection of the Sciences with each other.

Yours truly

Charles C. Babington