James Burgess McGarroch, Kirkmichael, [Scotland], to James Edward Smith

Summary

Glad to hear of recovery of Smith's health. Sending specimen of a variety of eel or other, found in stagnant waters and believed by the "vulgar" to be "an animated horsehair"; observations. Offers to send Smith a 'Gwiniad' [fish]. Unable to make anything of insects 'Cimex lacustris' and 'C. stagnorum' of Linnaeus. Has sent Smith 'Lichen furfuraceus'.

Reports on condition of local crops: oats in poor condition, the wheat is promising, and the barley likely to be destroyed by weeds, particularly 'Galeopsis tetrahit'. Fruit trees almost destroyed by small green worm, probably 'Lepidopterous' larvae; observations. All hawthorn flowers destroyed by 'Scurabens horticola', and ash, oak, fir, and plane trees similarly infertile; 'Prunus padus' and 'Ulmus campestris' the only trees to flourish. Meadows have an abundance of 'Trollius'.

Letter details

Record number

LINNEAN2310

From

James Burgess McGarroch

To

Sir James Edward Smith

Date

20 Jun 1783

Sent from

Kirkmichael, Scotland

Source of text

GB-110/JES/COR/24/3, 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.

• James Burgess McGarroch
• Sir James Edward Smith