TO DR. R. WIGHT. 



V 



one a vast selection of spots to hunt over for plants. Of all woods, 

 give ine one with a plentiful sprinkling of Rhododendrons. With 

 gooseberries and currants, I have been quite familiar, and at lower 

 altitudes than I expected. The chief vegetation of the higher 

 spots, at least I mean temporary vegetation, consists of Mono- 

 cotyledons, especially Liliaceae. How shall I describe the Aroidese, 

 especially the Pythoneas of which I have seven species. The most 

 curious plants I have lately found is a Peloriod Swertia, which Royle 

 I think mentions, and a curious creeping Ranunculus-leaved mono- 

 petalous plant, probably a Sphaceleoidea. 



I have not heard from you for an age, nor indeed from any one, 

 but I have reason for believing that several posts are missing. 

 We expect to be at Goalpara in six or seven days, and from that 

 place we shall leave direct for Calcutta. I may however be kept in 

 Assam, to undertake another journey into the sub-Himalaya, pro- 

 ceeding up the Subanshiri river. ' I would however almost prefer 

 visiting Calcutta, and getting rid of my numerous plants. If I do 

 remain, however, for the trip alluded to, nothing will induce me to 

 defer getting through my collections. When the journey is over I 

 really hope to have above 7,000 species, including the Mergue col- 

 lections. 



I want to hear about the 2nd vol. of your Prodromus. Pray 

 dont forget, that is to say if you can spare time, to send me spe- 

 cimens of a nucleary nature, for unless I have a collection named, to 

 go by, I scarcely know what I shall do. I shall certainly commence 

 with ferns. 



It is never to be sufficiently regretted, that you were not an officer 

 of the Supreme Government, the most liberal Government of all, 

 to those under its immediate sway. Without flattery, the Govern- 

 ment has undergone a serious loss in not having long ago called you 

 to Calcutta, I am very sorry to find that you are again about to 

 be shakled by restrictions as to franking. Your first number 

 reached me yesterday. Your bookseller deserves to have severe 

 inflictions for packing it so carelessly. I congratulate you on it, es- 

 pecially on some of the dissections. Give my best salam to Ran- 

 gia your native Painter. But I must say I prefer outlines, es- 

 pecially for analyses, and if you want an example, take your own 

 Convolvulaceae in Coles journal. As your new book is constituted. 



