From C. S. Bird   25 November 1829

Burghfield Reading

25 November 1829

My dear Henslow,

When I had the pleasure of seeing you in the Summer, I mentioned to you that I had a Hortus Siccus, which I would gladly present to the Cambridge Philosophical Society, if I thought it would be acceptable. You assured me it would, & so did your kind Brother in Law M r. Jenyns, to whom also I mentioned my intention. Under this impression, therefore, I have just packed up almost all my Plants (the small remainder I will bring during the Christmas Vacation), & I shall send off the Hamper by Wagon in a day or two, directing it to the Society's House.

The Collection belonged to a M r. Mathews, who was in some way connected with the Horticultural Society. He sold it to me for ₤10, when he was on the eve of leaving this country for Peru. I dare say it was dear, but if it be of any use to the Cambridge Society, I shall rejoice that it fell into my hands.

Will you have the kindness to present it in my name to the Society, to which I feel warmly attached.

Hoping that you will be in Cambridge, when I visit it, | Believe me, | With sincere regard, | Your's always, | C. S. Bird

Please cite as “HENSLOW-99,” in Ɛpsilon: The Correspondence of John Stevens Henslow accessed on 29 March 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/henslow/letters/letters_99