Andrew Smith, Cape of Good Hope, [South Africa], to Sir James Edward Smith, Soho Square, London

Summary

Addresses Smith as "one of the most successful and scientific cultivators of Natural History of which England can boast", informing him that a natural history museum funded by the government has been established here, by order of Lord Charles Somerset [(1767-1831), colonial administrator], and of which he has been appointed a superintendent. Offers to send Smith and Linnean Society any botanical, zoological, or mineralogical specimens required. Concedes that whilst considerable attention has been paid to this part of the world's botany a great deal remains to be done, alluding to new discoveries such as 'Crapula', 'Mesembryanthemum', 'Aloe', and 'Colyledon'. An application has been made to attach a botanic garden to the museum.

Letter details

Record number

LINNEAN109

From

Sir Andrew Smith

To

Sir James Edward Smith

Date

20 Aug 1825

Sent from

Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

Sent to

London

Source of text

GB-110/JES/ADD/92, The Linnean Society of London

Language

English

Contributor

The Linnean Society of London[View Ɛpsilon collection]

Also published in The Correspondence of Sir James Edward Smith, The Linnean Society's Archive Catalogue.

• Sir Andrew Smith
• Sir James Edward Smith