290 A simplified Method of marking Numbers on Tallies, 



of the simple combinations of a very small number of signs, 

 maintaining, nearly throughout, a fixed relation to each 

 other ; and probably it will not be very easy to reduce it to 

 greater simplicity. It is not probable that, in any garden, it 

 will ever be necessary to carry the marking beyond 1000 ; 

 but as far as 3000, no arbitrary sign is used ; and this exceeds 

 the number of species of any genus of plants likely to be cul- 

 tivated in ordinary gardens. I have long used irons, on which 

 the common figures are cut, for burning the numbers on 

 wood ; and Juniper tallies, with the numbers thus impressed, 

 last a long time. This material, however, is only to be 

 found in plenty, in a few places. 



I am, my dear Sir, 



yours truly, 



George Steuart Mackenzie. 



Coul, 9.0th December, 1827- 



