Correspondence of Lieut. -Col. f. L. Philips. 21 



for yr. correction of what he has said abt- Harrison's Herbarium. He writes 

 me that his information was reed, long ago from Mr. Stephen Bolton, brother 

 of the present writer on Fnngusses. 



Our Gardens abound now in new Orchidese, the gardeners have just learnt 

 how to manage them. 



I am Dr Sir 



1 Y* very faithful 



frd. & servt- 



J. E. SMITH. 



Sowerby (the natural history draughtsman and engraver, 

 who illustrated Sir J. E. Smith's works) duly communicated 

 the desired information in the following letter. Mr. Charles 

 Bailey suggests to me that the plant alluded to was Eu- 

 phorbia Esula, for which there was an old synonym Tithy- 

 malus pineus : — 



Dear Sir, 



Understanding by mine and everybody's worthy Friend Dr. Smith, that 

 the coloring of the Euphorbia Pinn<*~ meets your approbation, and you have a 

 desire to know how it is prepared — I shall allways be glad to give every 

 information my slender ability will admit. Being but simple myself, I use 

 very simple means in most of my endeavours, and very seldom anything more 

 than com" Gum Arabic water to any color ; with which the present specimen 

 of carmine is tempered, the most proper quantity is best learn't by me, and I 

 think it will appear richest when there is just Gum enough to keep it on the 

 vellum, or paper &c. More seems to deaden it (or at least wou'd not represent 

 the Eicph: a Pin a - ) and less would be very inconvenient as it would so easily 

 rub of. 



I have laid some nearly as bright as it may be tho' probably experience 

 will soon surpass anything I can attempt, no doubt when you see what is clone, 

 by more knowledge, carefullness, and nicety will far excell. 



The next difficulty to my comprehension is the altering the shades which 

 proceeds from and infinite variety of causes. In this nature is our best guide, 

 it often seems to change the local tints. 



I wish I could say more to the purpose but must beg you to except this as 

 it is intended and I remain 



JAS. SOWERBY 



1791 

 July 19th 2 Mead Place 



Lambeth 



The writer of the following was Christian von Mechcl, 

 the engraver, who was born at Basle in 1737. He studied 

 in Germany, France, and Italy, and was elected a member 



