DeWitt Clinton, Utica, [New York], to [Sir James Edward Smith]

Summary

Sends specimens and grain of a curious species of wild wheat found near Rome, Oneida County, New York, gives a brief description of it and relates how it resists the destructive effects of winter frosts that destroys common wheat, comparing it to rye. Questions whether it is indigenous or originally imported wheat accidently introduced, leans towards the former, with reservations, and gives his reasons, remarking on Linnaeus' six species of 'Triticum', Ceres, Roman goddess of agriculture, and 'Froment tremais'. Is of the opinion that many American native plants have been improperly considered naturalised, is confident in naming the Rome wheat 'Triticum americanum'. Also sends specimens of Wild Rye which grows in parts of the country bordering the upper parts of the Mohawk River, would like an opinion. Beneath Clinton's signature is written "David Hosack M.D." Smith has annotated on the first page "Mr Lambert is making observations on this subject".

["Copied" is marked in pencil on last page, and in a different hand "culmiferous"]

Letter details

Record number

LINNEAN2654

From

DeWitt Clinton

To

Sir James Edward Smith

Date

18 Jul 1817/20 Jan 1818

Sent from

Utica, New York

Source of text

GB-110/JES/COR/3/78, 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.