31 



proper for maintaining such a desirable connexion, 

 and you were above every other the person whose 

 attachment I had most desired. My wife, who of- 

 fers you her most friendly compliments, desires you 

 with me, never to forget that you have now a home 

 at Orbe. We join in entreating you not to refuse 

 us a favour we have to ask of you ; which is, in 

 case our child comes safe into the world, that you 

 will be so good as to consent to be its godfather. 

 Nothing can make us more happy ; and you may 

 safely consent in a moral point of view, as we shall 

 ourselves take care of its principles. 



Adieu, my best friend, and believe me for my life 

 Your devoted and affectionate 



E. Davall. 



P. S. Smithia sensitiva is framed and glazed in 

 my study, and I never enter without bowing to 

 Diapensia Lapponica ! ! These two are together 

 in the sacred corner between the bookcase which 

 contains Linnaeus's works, and my (little as yet) 

 Herbarium. 



Heaven preserve your health ; and, as the ghost 

 of Hamlet says, " Farewell, — remember me." 



«/. E. Smith to Mr. Davall. 



My dear Friend, London, April 25, 1790, 



Bring out your book as soon as possible, and by 

 all means call it Illustrationes Halleriance, or some 

 such title. I received your box by Lord Sinclair : 



