MR. DRUMMOND’S COLLECTIONS. 51 
which place Mr. Drummond was to make his head-quarters 
for as long a time as he might feel necessary, and there derive 
information respecting the practicability of entering California 
or Mexico from that point: and, should circumstances not be 
favourable for that undertaking, to descend the Mississippi 
to New Orleans in the autumn; thence to transmit his col- 
lections to England, to form new ones; explore the country in 
that latitude to the westward, as much as possible; and, even- 
tually, endeavour to reach the Mexican dominions near their 
northern boundary. For the successful issue of this plan, 
something more was necessary than mere pecuniary assistance, 
and I am anxious publicly to acknowledge the services ren- 
dered on this occasion by several gentlemen, who, though not 
all of them professedly naturalists, have thus shown their will- 
ingness to promote science, Dr. Boott procured a powerful 
letter of introduction to Mr. Aster, the head of the United 
States Fur Company, whose influence extends from the Missis- 
sippi to the Pacific Ocean; Nicholas Garray, Esq., Deputy- 
Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company in London, most 
generously provided, in the name of that Company, a passport, 
which would command every thing necessary for the further- 
ance of Mr. Drummond's object, in case he should find it 
desirable to enter their extensive possessions from any portion 
of the United States. Charles Barclay, Esq of Bury Hill, 
Surrey, favoured him with a letter to Viscount Rochefurche 
and to Messrs. Manning & Co. of Mexico. Joshua Bates, 
Esq., and Messrs. Baring, Brothers, & Co., London; John 
Thornton, Esq. Liverpool; J. M‘Goun, Jun, Esq, of ` 
Greenock; John Dennistoun, Esq., of the House of A. & J. © 
Dennistoun of Glasgow, have recommended him to their cor- 
respondents in different parts of the Southern United States. 
To this latter gentleman, in particular, I feel personally 
indebted for services rendered in various ways, especially 
through the medium of his house in New Orleans; and he has, 
. as well as my valued friend and former pupil, Wm. Mylne, 
.. Esq, of the same firm, afforded valuable aid, which Mr. 
Drummond has not failed to acknowledge in almost every 
