261 



sical, elegant, and correct as possible. Do you sup- 

 port me in this, against illiterate botanists, &c. &c. 

 You may see by my articles in Rees's Cyclo- 

 paedia that I keep these things in view, and defend 

 the Linnaean fortress as stoutly as I can ; but I am 

 thankful for, and concur in, all sound correction and 

 improvement. Mr. Brown and I are sworn friends, 

 though he uses the natural arrangement. He is one 

 of the most amiable, acute, and worthy of men. 

 Pray tell my dear cousin Mrs. Loring, with my 

 kindest regards, that I have just buried my venera- 

 ble mother, who died at 88, without any previous 

 infirmity, the delight of all, old and young. 



Great part of your parcel was half devoured by 

 insects. I shall distribute the duplicates as you 

 order. I wish however you would send me, in fu- 

 ture, what you destine to me only, compact well 

 pressed specimens. This sheet, or rather half of it, 

 shows the size of my herbarium, being the paper I 

 use for it. I have nothing at hand to send you at 

 present, but the 3rd and last edition of my Compen- 

 dium Flora Britannica, perhaps the best thing I 

 have done, but I wish to correct its defects. Great 

 numbers of the seeds you sent me have succeeded 

 very well, and some of the roots ; but most of the 

 latter were eaten by rats in the ship. Seeds are al- 

 ways acceptable. Pray send Ormosia if perfected. 

 Believe me, dear Sir, 



With every sentiment of regard and respect, 

 Your obliged and faithful Servant, 



J. E. Smith. 



