John Leonard Knapp, 13 New King Street, Bath, [Somerset], to James Edward Smith, Norwich, [Norfolk]

Summary

Thanks Smith for introducing him to [Hugh] Davies, although he seemed "a little irritated at what originated from a mistake". Believes 'Agrostis minima' is a new genus after receiving specimens from Davies to draw for "Gramina Britannica", recommends naming it after [Benjamin] Stillingfleet [(1702-1771)]. Drawing in pen and wash of a new 'Poa' found on Devon coast, proposes name 'Poa tuberosa'. Sends a 'Festuca' from Pembrokeshire [extant] that also appears in [William] Sherard's [(1659-1728)] herbarium. Asks the difference between 'Phleum crinitum' and 'Agrostis littoralis', small drawing in pen and wash of the former. Has almost finished plates of British grasses and plans to visit Scotland next summer. Believes 'Avena strigosa' is indiginous. Found '[Gnaphalium] margaritaceum' in the same place [John] Ray gathered it and "felt a a momentary inspiration".

Specimen of 'Festuca'.

Letter details

Record number

LINNEAN3015

From

John Leonard Knapp

To

Sir James Edward Smith

Date

19 Dec [1801]

Sent from

Bath, Somerset

Sent to

Norwich, Norfolk

Source of text

GB-110/JES/COR/6/8, 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.