Up the CuYUNi IN 1837. 331 



few who have colle6lions that no price is thought too 

 great to attain them. Next to Orchideae stand the Pineae 

 or Fir Tribe ; these plants are so scarce and so much 

 sought for in England that I have deemed it expedient, 

 and have at this time in agitation, an expedition, to the 

 Western Coast of America, to go out in November for the 

 purpose of introducing a large quantity of this family, the 

 finest kinds being chiefly from there. In this expedition 

 I have decided to send out two competent young men as 

 colle6lors ; this I think will be of infinite advantage, and 

 secure such an introdu6lion of valuable seeds as have not 

 been seen in England for many years. Upon the whole 

 I think a taste for Horticulture is on the increase in 

 England for all seem anxious to possess a colIe6lion of 

 plants. 



Some plants you sent were so damaged that we could 

 not save one. With the large stove I am progressing as 

 fast as can be expe6led considering the many hindrances 

 that always arise in jobs of such magnitude. In fa6l the 

 whole affair appears in such contusion that I cannot 

 attempt to give you any idea of the appearance it will 

 represent when finished, which I hope however to be able 

 to do in about two years. The palms will come safe if 

 planted in tight boxes in sandy soil with sticks of wood 

 nailed across the box to keep the soil about the roots 

 The box must be glazed on one or two sides like the roof 

 of a hothouse, and while on the passage be exposed to 

 the light as much as possible, but secured from sea water 

 and intense cold. • am much pleased with and thankful 

 for your remark on Musa, and shall dry the fruit in the 

 way you describe. I have eaten some of it (Writing un- 

 decipherable here.) 



