TO 
WILLIAM NICOL, ESQ. 
Se. §e. 
Dear SIR, 
Grartitupe and respect are due from every individual in society to 
him who promotes its real interests, by extending the bounds of knowledge. Those 
unaccustomed to intense study, can but imperfectly appreciate the labour and 
anxiety to which you have submitted in your minute and difficult examina- 
tions of the stems of numerous recent and fossil vegetables. Without your valu- 
able assistance in so new and hazardous a task, I should have experienced much 
embarrassment. When labouring among the dark and unfrequented repositories 
of the ancient records of a former state of things, I have been cheered by the aid 
and encouragement of a fellow-labourer, whose discrimination and perseverance 
might embolden one less anxious and enthusiastic than myself. For the many 
acts of kindness which I have received at your hand, and more especially for the 
assistance rendered me in this difficult undertaking, allow me to return you my 
grateful thanks, and to subscribe myself, 
Dear Srr, 
Your sincere friend, 
HENRY WITHAM. 
Epinsureu, Ist November 1830. 
