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XIX. Further Obfervations on the Wheat Infeédt, in a Letter to the 
Rev. Samuel Goodenough, LL.D. F.R.S. Tr.L.S. By Thomas 
Marfoam, Efq. Sec. L. S. 
Read February 6, 1798. 
DEAR SIR, 
HE very imperfeét knowledge that we gained of the wheat 
infeé&t in the year 1795, which through you was communi- 
cated to the Linnean Society, who have honoured it with a place in 
the Third Volume of their ran/actions, has ftimulated me to pur- 
fue the enquiry with greater earneftnefs, though not with additional 
zeal; for it has always been my invariable opinion, that the enriching 
of a cabinet with the works of the creation is but a fecondary con- 
fideration at beft, and of little utility, unlefs an endeavour to invetti- 
gate their nature, ceconomy, and properties, be provoked by it. 
Indeed I often lament, that my fituation in the metropolis, and 
the few opportunities I have of enjoying the country, prevent me 
from purfuing my favourite ftudy as fervently as I could with. 
In the prefent cafe I confider myfelf only as the firft inftitutor of 
an enquiry that has become important by the perfevering affiduity 
and accurate examination of our mutual friends, to whom I was 
fo much indebted in the former cafe. Early in June 1797, I 
wrote both to Mr. Kirby and Mr. Markwick, requefting that they 
would again turn their attention to the wheat fields, and examine 
the ears of that grain as they advanced, from the firft appearance 
of 
