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ti A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 
Again, in a letter, dated 7th February 1798, just before Roxburgh sailed, he — — 
“Tf you do not take Blocke and Forster’s Termini Ichthyologici with you, I should esteem it as 
a great favour to have the use of them till your return.” 
At Baruipur, therefore, the fishes received his chief attention and it was here that 
he really laid the foundation of his great knowledge of the Gangetic species, embodied 
in one of his most finished publications." Roxburgh returned to India in October 1799 
and their correspondence was immediately renewed, Before, however, Roxburgh had 
returned, Buchanan was offered an opportunity of visiting Nepal, and that he was able 
to set out on this journey we learn from a letter dated Gorasan, 12th February 1800. 
* We have been waiting at this place, which is the village nearest to Nepal, for 14 days. The chief 
minist т arrivel two days ago at the village next {о us on the frontier of his country. There has 
been as yet nointerview nor do I know when we shall advance, but it is expected to be in the 
course of a few days. I am very well pleased at the delay, as I shall have a greater chance of 
finding the forest trees in flower the later we are. 
` * * ж LÀ * * * * 
Captain Craufurd who commands the escort * * has commenced the study of Botany with 
eagerness. Ho has rather forgotten his Latin and wishes to have the families of plants and vegetables of 
the Litchfield Society. hs M ng 
The Nepal journey had, however, for the moment to be deferred, and Buchanan 
had once more to thank Roxburgh for an opportunity of distinguishing himself, While 
on his way back from the Cape in 1799 Roxburgh landed at Madras and had the 
privilege of an interview with Lord Clive, then Governor of Fort St. George. In the 
course of their conversation Lord Clive mentioned to Roxburgh his desire to investigate 
the newly acquired territories in his Presidency, and asked Roxburgh whether he 
could recommend a suitable officer for the work. On his return to Calcutta Roxburgh 
wrote, in October 1799, to Lord Clive as follows :— 
"When in Madras I took the liberty of mentioning to your Lordship that I thought Dr. Francis 
Buchanan of the Bengal Medical Establishment a very proper person to be employed in your newly 
acquired territories above the Ghauts. Не is the best botanist I know of in India and in every 
your Lordship in the above manner. Could Mr. Heyne accompany him as Mineralogist and Chemist 
І have по doubt but their joint endeavours would soon furnish а more complete account of the 
natural History, state of Agriculture, ete., of these provinces than we at present have of any of 
the British Possessions in Asia. Should your ip wish to employ this gentleman it will, I 
imagine, be necessary to apply to this Government for him.” 
When Lord Clive’s suggestion reached Calcutta the Marquis of Wellesley took it up 
warmly and adopted it as his own. He appears to have been greatly impressed by the 
Account of the Fishes found in the river Ganges and its branches. 2 vols, Text, 1 vol 
a une бы ext, 1 vol. 8ro, Plates 1 vol, Royal 
