From J. H. Balfour 6 November 1850

My Dear Sir

I am much obliged to you for your kindness in giving me the particulars as to the Examination for the office of Curator. The questions are good testing ones, & I am glad to learn that Stratton did so well. The testimony you bear to him will be of great use to him. Perhaps you might at your convenience append your name to it so that it may serve as a Certificate of Merit for future occasions. I enclose it for this purpose.

I certainly derive many points from your valuable Syllabus. The one on Lindley as to the parts of flower was I think notably one & does not occur in the manual. I am much obliged for the points as to the mistakes. Any comments will be thankfully received by me.

The Indian fabric to which you allude is I suppose that of Boehmeria nivea alluded to by Dr Cleghorn at the late meeting of the Brit. Assoc. If so I shall try to get a specimen of the fabric from him for your Museum.

I am at present busy with the preparation for the Botanical Museum also the garden. I am also getting the University Herbarium put into consulting order.

I fear that the meeting of the Association at Ipswich will take place in June or July when I am busy with lectures & cannot get away from Edin^h

I am

Yours sincerely

J. H. Balfour