38G 



rable Professor Martyn, beginning so early as 1813, 

 and all tending to the same point, one only shall be 

 selected, to remind the reader of the ground upon 

 which he concluded he might safely stand. 



One motive, which at least had as much influ- 

 ence with Sir James as any prospect of pecuniary 

 advantage, was the anticipation of associating with 

 a learned and polite body of gentlemen and scholars, 

 among whom he had several personal friends and 

 warm supporters ; and with these he continued the 

 same friendly intercourse as before, though with 

 fewer opportunities, and in a different manner, from 

 what would have been the case in a nearer connexion 

 with the university. On this account, chiefly, the 

 disappointment of his views hurt his affectionate 

 and social feelings more than it wounded his pride. 



My dear Sir, Pertenhall, March 14, 1818. 



The season approaches when I feel an annual 

 regret, that in consequence of my age and infirmities 

 I am unable to fulfill my duty as Dr. Walker's reader, 

 in giving a course of botanical lectures. If you 

 could, consistently with your other engagements, 

 undertake to read a course next term, I should 

 esteem it a great favour done to me personally; and 

 I have no doubt of its being well received by the 

 university. 



You are aware that you must have the sanction 

 of the vice-chancellor, who, I am persuaded, will 

 be ready to give the university an opportunity of 

 profiting by your instructions, as he doubtless 

 knows that you take the lead in the science of bo- 



