36 MEMOIR OF DR. HARVEY. 



October 11th. 

 I saw Mackay in Dublin, and have arranged with him to 

 write the algse for his "Irish Flora." He takes the mosses him- 

 self. I have not yet regularly set to work, but hope to do so 

 in a few weeks. Meantime, I shall have full occupation for 

 my leisure hours in my own herbarium. 



I have got from my friend Robert Ball in Dublin, who is an 

 ornithologist and general naturalist, one or two butterflies for 

 Joseph, which I believe are uncommon, at least in this country. 

 I hope to get a few more from his sister, who lives in Youghal, 

 and who has lately become an ardent papiliologist. W. may 

 like to correspond with him about birds, and Ball would, I 

 think, be glad to exchange specimens with him. I never met 

 a more generous fellow in the way of duplicates. He would 

 rob himself to give to me if I would allow him. 



To J. Fennell, Esq. 



Plassey, October 27th, 1833. 

 I am about taking a dip into a sea where I cannot see my 

 depth. I do not allude to describing the algae for the " Flora 

 Hibernica." That is a small matter, but to taking a plunge into 

 exotic or general botany — a gulf from which I never hope to be 

 extricated. Yet my time is likely to be more limited than 

 ever, as J. G. 1 is leaving the office, and I am to step into his 

 shoes. These said shoes will, I fear, pinch my botanical corns ; 

 but we cannot have everything as we wish. I have only dis- 

 covered about half-a-dozen new plants this year, which is bad. 



Thou asks if I am remunerated for mj^ work. I answer yea, 

 if much amusement and pleasure be remuneration. Dost 

 recollect the story of J. F. (the old man) and his gardener ? 

 If not, here it goes. 



The wise man went into his garden and called his gardener. 

 They walked on together, and, coming to a bed of tulips, says 

 Jemmy—" What are these ?" " Tulips, sir." « Will they boil ?" 

 "No, sir" "Throw them out ;" and so of other plants. They 

 came anon to a holly-bush, which was condemned in like manner, 

 till the gardener pointed out a robin singing on the hio-hest 



1 J. G. was book-keeper in Harvey Brothers' office. 



