322 



much to correct, even if they approve my congenial 

 plodding. As to systematic niceties, I scarcely know 

 any one that is competent, who will take the pains 

 to follow me. As to Columna, the Phytobasanos 

 is a mere curiosity, it being the first botanical book 

 ever printed with copper-plates ; but there is a mo- 

 dern edition of it nearly as useful. It is excessively 

 rare. The Ecphrasis is inestimable for use, and 

 daily in my hands. It has never been republished. 

 I am, my dear Sir, yours, &c. 



J. E. Smith. 



From the same. 



My dear Friend, Norwich, November 5, 1804. 



What a long time it is since I wrote to you ! Your 

 letter is dated July 25th. Since that time we have 

 spent a month at Lowestofft with my wife's relations, 

 and returned to enjoy the company of our amiable 

 friends and relations the Kindersleys. My mother 

 and all of us are looking forward to next summer. 

 May nothing happen to disappoint us ! I am pre- 

 paring an entirely new course of lectures for London 

 and you. My Exotic Botany is to appear Dec. 1st. 

 I shall have the pleasure of dedicating it to you, if 

 you will allow me by that means to commemorate our 

 friendship : though short, its growth has been vigo- 

 rous ; and if there be some vanity in the wish that my 

 name may be associated with yours in some corner 

 of fame's records, I hope it is a pardonable vanity. 

 Those more private ties which have bound us toge- 



