TO DR. R. WIGHT. 



Ixiii 



whatever original, at least ia the palm part ; and so all my origina- 

 lity for good or for bad remains untoucl^. Prof. Martins I see 

 considers many genera, as Euterpe, Oreodoxa, etc as artificial : then 

 why not reduce them ? A genus in my opinion is a thing of dig- 

 nity, not to be made and reduced ad libitum. I see that none of 

 the great European Botanists have read Zoological works on arrange- 

 ments, in which are more advanced views than in mere Botany. 

 One box for you is shipped in the Wellesley ; another large one 

 follows immediately : I might have packed them closer, but unless 

 tickets are attached to the specimens, I dislike more than one to each 

 sheet. 



I wish I had time to take you out a set of the Affghan plants, 

 which however, have no reference at all to Indian Botany. I will 

 constantly communicate to you nice packets from Malacca, with 

 names, also to Gardener. A hard working true Botanist like him, 

 is a lucky chance to meet with in India, and not to be neglected. 



I leave all my collections behind. Indeed if I knew how to do 

 it, I would send all home to be worked out. For unless I get to the 

 Gardens, I shall never have time to analyse them. They must be 

 rich in forms, as without many duplicates they fill 6-7 large chests. 



I go in the Victoria, which sails in a day or two : heartily glad 

 shall I be to get to a quiet place, my head actually swims, and types 

 are dancing before my eyes. Not a moments rest ; Vogits work nearly 

 done, 700 pages struck oflf. Then all goes for nothing, that is so 

 far as my interest goes. 



I hope Gardener will work hard, and publish well ; with three hand 

 workers in India, respect for real science must be inspired. 



