210 JACK'S LETTERS TO WALLICH, 1819-1821. 



I have dispatched a cask of them to England, and here are 

 some for you. You cannot imagine what abundance we have pro- 

 cured of them, and I have therein' been enabled to ascertain every 

 point respecting them. I think I gave you in my last the parti- 

 culars, that it is parasitic on a species of Cissus, that it is dioecious, 

 and that the seeds are minute and nidulant in the centre of the 

 column of fructification. 



Botany I am sorry to say, has been most grievously at a stand, 

 but I hope soon to resume it and make up for leeway. 



Among our other plans and schemes here, is an agricultural 

 Society which we have established, and of which I am Secretary. 

 Our objects are more practical than to make a figure on paper, 

 and the people will feel the benefits of it most. If however I 

 frame any report on the subject, which I have some idea of doing 

 on the state of the country generally with reference to it, you 

 shall see our lucubrations. 



We have no intelligence from home on the points of immediate 

 interest to ourselves, and there is so much else to occupy people 

 at home, that I do not think anything will be speedily decided. 

 Perhaps it is all the better, the longer they are about it, the better 

 it probably will be done. 



As the vessel will be soon off, and I have a good deal to do to 

 get everything ready, I must make this a short letter. I hope to 

 hear soon from you, and then you shall have more. 



Remember me to Mrs. Wallich, 



And believe me always, my dear Wallich, 

 Yours most sincerely. 



William Jack. 



P.S. The box of drawings will be addressed to Sir Joseph 

 Banks and Mr. Marsden jointly. A letter containing a list of the 

 contents will be written to them, and sent to Calder to forward. 

 You can therefore communicate with him. 



By the bye, a late letter from Sir Joseph to Sir Stamford 

 acknowledges the receipt of seeds of my Xepenthes through you. 



The specimens of the Titan, are large buds, the opened flowers 

 are difficult to preserve, and buds exhibit everything essential. I 

 advise you to prepare your largest microscope against the arrival 

 of these diminutive fellows. 



Bencoolen, 



19th Aug., 1820 

 My dear Wallich, 



It is not long since I received your letter No. 2, from Mr. 

 Hall, but No. 1 has not yet made its appearance. I hope it will 

 soon, for I am anxious to have replies from you on many points. 



Jour. Straits Branch 



