575 
three species of articulated Juncus; but one of 
them had no leaves to it, so that I could judge of 
its distinction. I remember Sempervivum sediforme 
at Kew many years ago: I always contended with 
old Aiton that it was a Sedum; but I think Solan- 
der had laid down the law to him that it was a 
Sempervivum. Yam speaking of a plant so named; 
perhaps it might be that which you now mention. 
Iam glad to see you write and quote Greek so 
fluently, and talk so big of Dioscorides. I would 
advise you to get another contemporary of his, 
Theophrastus: they would mutually explain each 
other; and Bodzus’s notes are very copious and 
very explanatory. 
I am sorry to see that envious creature Salisbury 
again barking at you;—I should rather say, hear, for 
I never see any thing of his. I shun all fellows who 
have a twist in their head. Never mind him; you 
are confessedly the king of natural history:—I beg 
your pardon, I should rather say, as Buonaparte, 
villain ! does, emperor. All kings and emperors are 
abused by one party or the other, but it is beneath 
them to notice such nibbling. 
The great Philip of Macedon used to say that he 
rejoiced at being abused; “For,” said he, “I mend 
myself if this abuse be well-founded, and thus they 
are mortified at doing me good :—as to falsehoods, 
they prevail only for the moment.” 
This place, quite calculated for philosophical re- 
tirement, with its pure air, free from all nauseous ef- 
fluvias, the very opposite to the perfume of crowded 
towns, continues to agree with us exceedingly. I 
