344 Alexander Goodman More. 



CHAPTER XLVIL 



A CORRESPONDENCE. 



[1887-1889.] 



HE might well say that he was " doing his best to stimulate 

 the younger botanists," for his letters to beginners would 

 alone fill a large volume. A letter written in April, 1887, 

 to a Harrow boy has already been quoted ; and during the 

 two years which followed he wrote, on an average, every 

 fortnight to this correspondent. A beginning once made 

 with birds leads to a gradual introduction of botany, this 

 subject being first mentioned on the approach of a summer 

 vacation. 



(July 26th, 1887.} When you return I hope that you will take up the 

 birds and other animals in earnest. I shall be always ready and pleased 



if I can give you any help I hope that you have learned to- 



skin birds, and to preserve bird-skins simply without wires. It is easily 

 learned, and an immense advantage when you come to travel and 

 collect, as I hope you will. If you have not already got Bell's " British 

 Quadrupeds " it is well worth having, and will be of the greatest help 



to you Another book you should have is either Gray's "Land 



and Freshwater Shells" or some other on this subject. There is one 

 by Harting, I think, and one by Tate. Any one of these would enable 

 you to make out the names of the pretty little land and water shells. 

 .... If you can manage it, do try and call here on your way through 

 Dublin, as I should be pleased to make your acquaintance. I am 

 always at home at 92, Leinster-road, except when I go out in a bath- 

 chair, about four to six in the afternoon Do you know anything 



of botany? There are two plants I want to find out about the 

 Colchicum, or Meadow Saifron (flowers in autumn like a white or pale 

 crocus), said to be found in meadows along the river Nore, and, likely, 

 Colchicum autumnale, might be found along the Barrow. The other is 

 the Nettle-leaved Bell-flower, Campanula trachelium, which grows 

 along the banks of the river in bushy places, above New Ross. Could 

 you kindly try and look after these two plants ? Both should be plenti- 

 ful and easily seen ; in fact, the country people would notice the pale 

 purple " Crocus," and perhaps might have had their cattle suffer from 

 its poisonous qualities. 



