Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 2]
meet with any specimens that had got ripe seed: so I took up some living plants, but by growing in a dry pouched soil, which would not adhere to the roots, and moreover, it appearing to be an annual, causes me to doubt whether I shall be able to procure any seeds. The white powder is a specimen of a mineral which I met with at Knowles, the place where the ground gave way after a severe frost, which was credulously reported to be an earthquake. The water appeared as if some lime had been thrown into it; upon tasting it, I found it to be acid and astringent. I obtained the powder by taking the scum of the water, and afterwards drying it in the sun.
Week after week keeps passing away, and no talk of sailing almost drives me melancholy, indeed, if it was not for hope I should be wearied of my life. Expecting to sail almost every day, and months elapsing, to an eager mind is a great mortification. Being on board till the Ship gets under weigh, through so much confusion, as not to get to an individual article, is very despairing; and being on shore in the dearest port of the nation is another serious thought. I find that about ten miles from Portsmouth there are some good places for a Botanist, which if I had known when I first came down, I would have resided at, if I had had, for to have come to Portsmouth every day. It gives me to think that the money that I have spend here, without finding any thing, how far I could have extended it in a mountainous country in the North of England.
I am Sir with the greatest
respect and regard
Your humble & obedient ser.t
G. Caley
Portsea
June 3.d 1799