294 HISTORY OF THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN. 
leave a situation where he receives from £60 to £ 100, and to 
offer him £40 a year. The ‘feather in his cap’ will not, in 
these times, make up for the deficiency. The perquisites of the 
place are very trifling and uncertain, and we understand, cannot 
be reckoned worth more than £10 a-year.’ 
The steps taken by Prof. Rutherford to fill the vacancy are 
shown in the following letters :— 
Dr. Rutherford to Sir Joseph Banks.» 
Edin. 19 March 1810. 
Sir,—I trust that you will pardon the liberty I take of applying to 
you in the present occasion, as I know no one who is so capable o 
giving me advice and assistance as you are. I must take the liberty 
of acquainting you that Mr. Sommerville, who was gardener of the 
Botanic Gardens in this place, is just dea id, and I am in the greatest 
anxiety to fill up the place properly, and indeed as soon as possible, 
since the season of the year is now so far advanced. Unfortunately 
the workmen now in the garden are in a manner entirely strangers 
to me, having come into it only a week or two ago, and I am thus 
I should esteem it as a singular obligation if you could recommend 
person that you think might be qualified for the office. I ne 
say nothi of the talents required, you are a perfect judge of this 
subje STKE aad are £40 a year salary and whatever 
oravuities may be given by people who visit the garden, besides I 
allow him 2/6 from each of the students. Should you recollect any 
fit person who might incline to enter in this employment, I shall 
esteem it as a particular favour if you take the trouble to mention 
him to me. I hope you will excuse the ae I have taken. I have 
the honour to be with the greatest respect, 
Your most obed. and most auc ee 
(Sgd.) D. RUTHERFORD. 
Sir Joseph Banks to Mr. Aiton.? 
tion to it than can be expect se 
Always Yours 
Jos. BANKS. 
March 22, 1810. 
1 
2 William-Townsend Aiton (1766-1849). See Britten and Boulg., Bibliog. Index. 
Printed by permission from a copy in the possession of Miss McNab, 
