SHORT NOTES. 89 
Txe Avrnorsmp or tar Tarp Eprrion or ‘Enerisx Botany. 
Es Wahave been requested to aibteak the following Scosaies dance: a 
** Thames Ditton, Jan. 28, 1881, 
‘* Dear Mr. Newsoutp,—Are you aware that a report has been 
spread among botanists to the effect that you are almost as truly 
0 
: h 
originated with yourself, nor in any way can hee been beset 
or encouraged by you. But doubtless there may be many bota- 
nists who are less favourably placed for forming a correct ree pa 
inthe matter. And even a foolish allegation may become converted 
into an accepted tradition afterwards through Bbbihg a presently 
uncontradicted cur 
** Dr. Boswell handagitaly acknowledged useful assistance given 
to him by yourself, in making references and tracing out various 
ener details. But surely you and I shall both concur in holding 
0 be a special characteristic of ‘Hnglish Botany,’ in its third 
sdition that it is essentially and pee the work of one mind, 
g to 
portion. It digests into one comprehensive whole, re-written and 
re-tested afresh, the variously and utterly disconsaeted descriptions 
of the ‘age gee edition 
“M use the freedom of urging you to take some step 
towards contradiction of the false rumour? To my judgment this 
appears to be called for, not only as a matter of justice towards 
Dr. Boswell, but also in support of your own reputation for truth and 
conscientious de ealing.—I am, yours very truly, 
’ ON. 
“The Rev. W. W. Newzourn, Kew.” Hewerr C. Wars 
«* Montague House, Kew, Jan. 31st, 1881. 
*“ Dear Mr. Wane have only received your letter in time 
answer it now. I am much obliged to you for calling my 
attention to the vitality of a ridiculously absurd rumour, which I 
ought had been killed years ago. 
** Every one who knows what I am, and what the great merits 
of Dr. Boswell’s ‘English Botany’ are, must be sure I a 
little capable of writing a book like that as the frog is of enlarging 
itself to the size of the ox. Dr. Boswell has always done me more 
than justice, and any one who says the contrary must be very 
ignor. ked. 
a rege y nat vise where this rumour exists, I put this letter 
at your disposal, and am, sincerely yours 
. . WBOULD. 
“H.C. Watson, Esq., Thames Ditton.” W. W. Ne 
