THE SOCIETT'S heritage prom the ilACLEAYS. 579 



December 16tb, 188G— "The President [W. Carruthers, F.R.S.] announeed that 

 Sir George MacLeay, K.C.M.G., F.L.S., bad presented to the Society a framed 

 •water-colonr portrait of the Rev. William Kirby, F.L.S., the distinguished 

 entomologist; also the manuscripts and correspondence of his father, Alexander 

 MacLeay (elected P.L.S. 1794), for many years Secretary to the Society" [Pro- 

 ceedings, 188(1-87. p. ()]. But these have not so far been utilised for biographical 

 purposes . 



In anticipation of this evening's meeting, I wrote to the Council of the Linnean 

 Society of London some time ago, pointing out the scanty documentary details of 

 the early scientific life of Alexander and W. S. Macleay available to us here in 

 Australia, and that we were without a portrait of any kind of W. S. Macleay; 

 and, at the same time, asking if the Coimcil would be good enough to spare me 

 copies of any documents that would be of special interest in connection with our 

 celebration of the centenary of Sir William Macleay's birth. I have pleasure in 

 recording my indebtedness, and cordial thanks, both to the Council and to Dr. B. 

 Daydon .Jackson, General Secretary, who has kindly sent me copies of five very 

 interesting letters, and a photograph of the bust of W. S. Macleay in the Society's 

 possession. 



One of the letters referred to, from Sir .James E. Smith [1759-1828] to 

 Alexander Macleay, dated "Norwich, March 13th, 1825," was apparently written 

 in reply to a letter announcing the writer's acceptance of the appointment of 

 Colonial Secretary of New South Wales, and of his contemplated departure to 

 the antipodes. The portion of the letter of most interest to us is as follows: — 



"My dear Friend, — Now that I have got through the irksome correspondence 

 that so much opprest me — (rendered most irksome, I assure you, by the con- 

 tinual association of your departure, which weighed like a millstone upon my 

 heart), I may indulge in more pleasant writing. I am not a man of compli- 

 ments, but your wide removal, as it were to another world (and it may really be 

 so with respect to me), seems to excuse and indeed require an opening of heart 

 between us. I am happy to recall the 31 years [1794-1825] to which you advert, 

 and to say with all sincerity, that so far from misunderstanding or coolness, I 

 have ever felt the warmest estimation for your character, the most grateful sensi- 

 bility to your constant active friendship and attention. I have always known 

 where to find you, and was always sure you would do the kindest and most 

 judicious thing. Judge then if I can part with you unmoved, or if I can avoid 

 being warmly interested for all that belongs to you ! — I speak now not with much 

 reference to our Society, for which you have done so much. I trust we shall 

 choose no unworthy successor to you — and as to yourself, I would not suggest 

 gloomy ideas of your great undertaking, which I trust will be advantageous, as it 

 is certainly highly honourable. It must on some accounts be delightful to you, 

 and as a naturalist I almost envy you. For the sake of the public I am well 

 persuaded I ought to rejoice. May God preserve your life to do all the good 

 you can, and to benefit your family, who I am confident will be worthy of you. 

 Let me, my valued friend, urge one thing especially. Take the utmost care of 

 your health — do not work too hard, or expose yourself to anything which ex- 

 perienced people think hazardous. If you feel well and strong, spare yourself, 



that you may do the more good I hope your portrait will be well 



done. We shall gratify ourselves by it, more than we honour you 



Farewell my excellent friend — I need not say how often I shall think of you, nor 

 how entirely I am ever yours, J. E. Smith." 



