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in every branch of natural history, but particularly 
so in botany: he intends to take his degrees in 
Leyden, in the physical faculty; and I trust you 
will find him able to stand a good examination in 
that also. Allow me, good Sir, to request that you 
will introduce him to Professor Van Royen, and 
claim in my name the Professor’s civilities to him : 
he brings a parcel of American ferns as a present 
from me to Dr. Van Royen’s collection. I am 
called upon suddenly for this letter, and pressed by 
business have not time to make it more particular ; 
but you shall hear from me again, and I shall have 
the pleasure also of answering Mr. Van Royen’s 
obliging letter at my first leisure. 
Believe me, Sir, 
Your most obedient humble Servant, 
JOSEPH Banks. 
J. E. Smith to his Mother. 
Honoured Madam, Leyden, June 26, 1786. 
I wrote to my father from Rotterdam, and hope 
he received my letter. I had a very pleasant voy- 
age thence along a canal to this place. On Friday 
morning I called on Professor Sandiforte, to whom 
I had letters, and that afternoon was fixed for my 
examination ; it lasted about forty minutes in Latin, 
and gave me, and I hope the Professor, much satis- 
faction. Next day I was examined by the College, 
and had two aphorisms of Hippocrates given me to 
write on, which I gave in this day, and am now en- 
