196 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
the continuation of it. It gives me much satisfaction to 
learn that my plants from the Rio San Francisco arrived in 
good order, for I had feared such might not be the case, as 
they were packed during the damp season, when sometimes 
the most sedulous care will not preserve articles from mould, - 
and they also lay long in town before being sent off. I was 
not aware that Blanchet had visited the Rio San Francisco; 
I thought he had not gone far from Bahia; but, however 
this may be, sure I am that no one has ever been where 
I am now, nor in the country whither I am about to pro- a 
ceed; so that there can be no doubt that the present and : 
future collections will be rich in novelties. I am sorry — 
to hear of the decease of Mr Winch, one of my original 
Subscribers ; but among so large a number, it must be ex- E 
pected that some will fall off, and I am reluctant to lessen pe 
the number of sets which are made up, as I hope that — 
other botanists may come forward to take them, and 
sooner or later, all may be disposed of. It gives me great 
satisfaction to know that Mr Bentham and yourself, are 
engaged in preparing lists of my plants, as they will thence 
derive a great additional interest. Mr Bentham will be the 
very person to undertake the Composite, and I am more than 
ever anxious to collect specimens of that tribe. 
* It is certainly quite delightful to hear of the spirit and ] 
liberality with which His Grace the Duke of Bedford — 
on his botanical pursuits. I do all in my power to contri- 
bute to his already vast collections of living plants, as indeed 
I am in duty bound, and only fear he may sometimes think — 
me not so active in his behalf as I ought to be, owing to the 
many difficulties that lie in the way of transmitting home - 
growing specimens. A careless ship-captain, who takes no 
interest in their fate, is a very inefficient guardian to such 
perishable treasures. ; 
“As Ferns grow readily from ripe seeds, my plan is to collect 
seeds of all such species as seem likely to prove new OF 
striking. As to my finances, I am well aware that my in- 
