William Roscoe, Allerton [Hall, near Liverpool, Lancashire], to James Edward Smith, Old Hummums, Covent Garden, [London]

Summary

Three pages of botanical notes on the different species of 'Canna', including 'C. indica', 'C. coccinca', 'C. pateus', 'C. lutea', 'C. latifolia', 'C. glauca', 'C. flaccida', 'C. angustifolia' Willdenow, 'C. juncea', with details of authorities, varieties, and publications.

Comments on criticism of his paper on 'Scitamineae' made by [Richard] Salisbury and Andrews in "Transactions"; the former spoke well of it except for the figure of 'Curcuma' but the latter was more rude with "much less reason".

Engrossed in politics and expecting to print new pamphlet shortly, but he does not enjoy it. Hopes Smith will establish "Exotic botany" properly; comments on its value as a "periodical vehicle for diffusing sound opinions & Linnaean principles, when they are so frequently disregarded or avowedly attacked", especially as "English botany" is finishing and never had a place for "more general observations"; believes that "heresies" in botany should be opposed by "orthodox doctrines", otherwise "the antipope Jussieu will dethrone our true Pontif Linnaeus"; criticism of Jussieu's system.

Visit by Mr and Mrs Martin [Smith's brother-in-law and sister] with "little Frederick"; pleased to hear Smith may visit Lancashire in near future.

Letter details

Record number

LINNEAN1369

From

William Roscoe

To

Sir James Edward Smith

Date

1 May 1808

Sent from

Liverpool, Lancashire

Sent to

London

Source of text

GB-110/JES/COR/17/60, 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.