BOYHOOD. 23 



Turton has just published a " Manual of British Land and 

 Fresh-water Shells. 150 coloured figures." I intend to get it. 



******* 



I agree as to the nonsense of sending my love in letters. The 

 ethereal substance doth not consort with pen and ink. 



To the Same. 



Summerville, Dec. 12, 1831. 

 In my last letter to Hooker, I, casually as it were, men- 

 tioned that I had some thoughts of beginning a little work to 

 contain figures and descriptions of new cryptogamic plants, 

 and by return of post I had a reply thanking me for my 

 " excellent parcel and welcome letter ;" furthermore saying he 

 rejoiced at my prospect, and with sundry flattering words as to 

 my competency for the same, and adding that I should soon be 

 "at the top of algologists !" The steps must be few indeed, if 

 it is so easy to mount to the top. His letter is more like 

 that of an old friend than a person whose features are unknown 

 to me ; for which of course I am very much obliged, but cannot 

 help wondering at the humility of a man such as he is, in con- 

 descending to bestow so much time and trouble on a scribbler 

 like me. He also offers to lend me some valuable illustrated 

 works from his library, which he would venture to send to me 

 here ! This is a rare instance of faith in a person never seen or 

 heard of, further than from himself. O, thrice happy trip to 

 Killarney ! 



I have made out a list of the phaenogamous plants known by 

 us ; viz., in the Herbarium, 372 ; known, but unpressed, 143. 

 This not including Bumex, Rubus, Salix, and of course omitting 

 ferns. 



A heavy sorrow was now about to cast its shadow over 

 William's sensitive mind, for which he was unprepared when 

 the preceding letter was written, namely, the death of his 

 mother, which took place on the Christmas Day following. 

 Mrs. Harvey was held in esteem and reverence by all who were 

 acquainted with her. Her character exhibited in no ordinary 

 degree the fruits of true religion. She was humble, charitable, 

 and benevolent. She had great strength of "mind, yet she was 

 timid and yielding, and was gifted with a vigorous understand- 



