Thomas Jenkinson Woodward, Bungay, [Suffolk], to James Edward Smith, 10 Paradise Row, Chelsea, [London]

Summary

Replied to Smith's letter of 19 May [1785]. Remarks on Smith's proposed "Flora Britannica"; can wait for Smith to finish his Edinburgh studies to ensure it is perfect; convinced many plants not in [John] Lightfoot will be found in Scotland; Smith may finish before [William] Withering's ["Botanical arrangement"]. Withering publishing a pamphlet on medicinal properties of 'Digitalis'. Received [James] Dickson's "Fasciculus", remarks on plants: 'Hypnum stellatum', 'Targionia hypophylla', 'Sphaeria maxima', 'Lycoperdon fraxinum'. Dickson and Smith's Oxford journey postponed. Fossils: commissions Smith to purchase books for him.

Finds that the 'Melampyrum sylsaticum' in woods near Bungay is 'M. pratense'; 'Scleranthus perrenis' plentiful here and near Norwich. Minerals. Discusses Linnaean collections; glad Smith is not disposing of the fossils yet. Commissions for White's [bookseller]. Account of a balloon ascent at Norwich, by Mr Decker, in stormy conditions. He and [Robert] Stone [(c 1751-1829), botanist] are to botanise on Suffolk coast in July.

Postscript at top of verso of first folio: has two young plants from seed of 'Rumex paludosus' from Dr [John] Hope's garden; observations.

Letter details

Record number

LINNEAN1458

From

Thomas Jenkinson Woodward

To

Sir James Edward Smith

Date

9 Jun 1785

Sent from

Bungay, Suffolk

Sent to

London

Source of text

GB-110/JES/COR/18/21, 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 James Edward Smith
• Thomas Jenkinson Woodward