1837.] 



Dr. Wight on the Camooge Plant. 



429 



Roxb. and G. elliptica, Wall. (fid. Graham), but which, it appears from 

 Col. Walker's note, Dr. Graham has already published under a new- 

 name. It is now therefore certain that both Murray and Roxburgh 

 were wrong in assigning the Pentadelphous flowered tree as the source 

 of the true Gamboge of commerce, tftat Mr. Arnott and myself were 

 equally in error in following them, and, finally, that the world is at last 

 indebted to the industry and observation of Colonel and Mrs. Walker 

 for making it acquainted with the characters of the long sought for 

 genus of plants, which produces this most valuable pigment and medicine. 



As a discovery so interesting cannot be too generally known, and as 

 Colonel Walker has promised me a drawing from the accurate pencil of 

 his accomplished lady, I trust you will be able to find room for it in a 

 future number ; I hope, accompanied by Dr. Graham's description and 

 name. I remain, dear Sir, Yours, &c. 



Madras, \bth April 1837. B. W. 



Errata in my former communication. 



Page 304, line 19, from the bottom, for glabose read globose. 

 — — — 8, — — — — putoria — pictoria. 



Madras, 16th April 1837. 



My Dear Sir — I yesterday received your note, with the specimens of 

 plants from Goomsoor which accompanied, and was sorry to find them 

 altogether unfit for preservation. Thinking it a subject of regret, that 

 the labour of the few persons, who in this country seem willing to 

 devote their leisure to making us better acquainted with its vegetable 

 productions, should be rendered fruitless for want of a little skill, easily 

 acquired, I have drawn up the following brief and simple instructions 

 for preserving plants (which 1 hope you will be able to find room for in 

 your forthcoming number) under the conviction, that many are deterred 

 from attempting to form collections, by not knowing how to go about it. 

 Should you think the style I have adopted too homely, pray bear in 

 mind that I do not write for botanists, but for the uninitiated. The in- 

 structions are nearly those I give my native collectors, who traverse 

 every part of the country collecting for me, and have made a very large 

 collection indeed. 



Yours very truly, 

 To R. Cole, Esq. &c. &c, &c. Robert Wight. 



