128 — 
Royal Botanic Garden , Peradenid, near Kandy. 
Ceylon, 7 ih October 1844. 
Profestor Bojer. 
My dear Sir, 
From a variely of causes I havebeen nauch longer ofwriling io you than I intended. 
I have now, however, the pleasure to inform you thai l arrived safely in this island 
after a very tedious voyage of nearly six weeks from the Mauritius ; and that I am 
in the enjoyment of excellent health, and in every way pleased both with the island 
and my appointment. The site of i he ßotanical Garden is one of the best that could have 
been fixed on in the island. It contains in all about 420 acres, of which about 40 
are under cullivation. The remainder I intend to turn into an Arboretum. It is 
beautifully laid out, and the entrance is one of the finest I have seen eilher at home 
or abroad. AUüough it lias been a good deal neglecled of late, it is even now as 
far superior to the one in the Mauritius as heaven is to Hell. The comparison is 
perhaps strong, but it is a true one. The Government is acting very liberally towards 
me, and I trust ere long to make a fine thingof it. A new house is just about to 
be erected for me, for which the Legislative Assembly have granted £ 800 When 
out on ßotanical excursions my expenses are always allowed me at the late of 18 s. a 
day. I lately made a very interesting trip to Nucia Ellia, a healthy Station nearly 
"fOOO feet above the level of the sea, and made a rieh ßotanical harvest. I was 
quite surprised at the vast number of European forms, which are there to be met 
with. Some of the species are actually European, soch as Agrimonia, Eupatorium, 
and Alchemilla vulgaris. On the mountain passes I met with many fine ßalsams, 
and a hosi of beautiful ferns, some of which I hope ere long to behble to send you. 
I have for the last week been arranging my general collection of ferns. Some of tbe 
duplicates of which you know I promised to send you. When I do so you must not 
forget your promise to send me a sei qf Mauritian ones ; as you have many there 
which I do notyel possess. Ten days hence I am going over to the Continent to visit 
Dr. Wight, who has promised this Garden a set of all bis Peninsular plants, provided 
the Government would allow me to go to selecl tliem. This has been consented to, 
and of course my expenses will ne allowed. As several thousand of the plants 
arenatned, they will be of great use to me in sludying the Flora of this island, which 
1 can see is an unusually rieh one. A few weeks ago I had a visit from Lord Arthur 
Hay, brother to the Governor of the Madras Presidency, who is a keen Ornithoügist. 
He collecls birds from all quarfers, and is very desirous to obtain specimens of any 
you can spare, natives of the African Islands. He told me to mention to you that the 
first accounts you would hear from him would be along with a collection of Indian 
birds which you may expect to be sent to you shortly. II you can assisl him with 
a few skins in relurn he will, I know, he much pleased. I bave just heard from my 
friend Mr. Miers, whomyou may recollect I said would be glad to exchange Brazilian 
änsects for some of those of Madagascar, Bourbon and Mauritius. When he wrote 
be was just about to prepare a set for you, so that you may expect them soon. His 
lady is also preparing a few Shells to send to your friend Mr. Robillard, to whom and 
io Mr. Bouton please to remember me mosl kindly. Hooker lately sent me the first 
pari of his Species Filicum, which promises to be a most valuable work. All your 
Madagasear and other ferns are taken up. I have not yet been able to do much 
either to Zoology or Geology, the Garden taking up much of my time. By and by I 
shall be more at leisure. Lei me hear from you soon, and believe me to be, 
Very truly yoursj 
GEORGE GARDJNER 
