on the Geography of Plants. 267 



and views, contain the most important observations upon the 

 geography of plants. On the other hand, however, it is very 

 evident, that this subject, perhaps through the numerous avo- 

 cations of the author, has received less attention, than from 

 the interesting nature of the inquiry could be wished. It 

 is scarcely necessary for me to add, that I entertain the 

 greatest respect for the worthy author, and fully acknowledge 

 his distinguished services to science in general, and to the geo- 

 graphy of plants in particular. Nor have I any reason to 

 think, that if you, Sir, should deem these observations not 

 unworthy a place in your Journal, they will be displeasing to 

 him. On the contrary, I am persuaded, that even the smallest 

 contribution will be well received by one, who is so great an ad- 

 mirer of science ; especially when it relates to a science, of 

 which he is regarded as the principal founder. 



I am, &c. fec. 



ART. IV. Hints on the Manufacture of Catgut Strings, 

 [In a Letter to the Editor.] 



DEAR SIR, Killin, Sept. 15, 1820. 



As no object connected with the arts is beneath your 

 notice, you will perhaps give room to the following hint, on the 

 subject of musical strings, particularly as it is founded on 

 physiological considerations. 



It has long been a subject of complaint, as well as a serious 

 inconvenience to musicians, that catgut strings cannot be made 

 in England of the same goodness and strength as those im 

 ported from Italy ; an inconvenience which was experienced in 

 a great degree during the late war. These, I need scarcely 

 say, are made of the peritoneal covering of the intestines of the 

 sheep ; and, in this country, they are manufactured at White* 

 chapel, and probably elsewhere, in considerable quantity ; the 

 consumption of them for harps, as well as for the instruments 

 of the violin family, being very great. Their chief fault is 

 weakness ; whence it is difficult to bring the smaller ones, re* 

 quired for the higher notes, to concert pitch; maintaining at 



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