50 



How can I have been so long before I have con- 

 gratulated upon all the honours and glories that are 

 surrounding Dr. Smith ! My letter ought to have 

 begun with a proper homage upon the occasion : 

 perhaps even this note may have to follow him into 

 my royal neighbourhood ; but if not, I hope in Marl- 

 borough-street he may condescend to eat a couple 

 of pines which accompany my note. 



I hope the travellers have not yet left you. I think 

 you are very good to give up your Francois, but I 

 think he should be a little sorry to leave you. 



Your sincere, &c. 



M. Rockingham. 



Mr. Davctll to J. E. Smith. 



Orbe, Oct. 12, 1792. 



For several days past, my very dear friend, I have 

 been intending to write to you for my comfort and 

 my mind's ease. I have waited in hopes of telling 

 you I have received the delightful books I owe to 

 your friendship ; — they at last arrived the evening 

 of the day before yesterday, having been obliged to 

 take a great detour in Germany to avoid the armies, 

 &c. &c. 



Receive my best thanks for your continuation of 

 the lovely and most interesting Spicilegium, which 

 during the whole of yesterday was " balm to my hurt 

 mind", as also your inimitable, and ne plus ultra, 

 Icones pictce. 



I must at present, to my great regret, lay aside 

 botany during the rest of this letter, and I shall cer- 



