Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 25 November 1794 (Series 39.013) - No. 0002

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particularly lucerne, [indecipherable], & Guinea Grass - I have just received a Cargoe of Cotton Seeds from B. Bay & have planted them but the Flax is the Staple, I send you a small Sample in my Agents Box who will send it to you. I hope some attention & encouragement will be given to it - And I must fear if Govt. does not take it up that some individuals will, It is Sir an Invaluable treasure to this Island, & would be so to Europe, if it coud be transplanted, I have eight Boxes containing 300 Plants in fine Order if there was an Opportunity of forwarding them - I have sent some to B. Bay as well as Pines, where I am informed they are very Thriving, & doing extremely well, I shall send some to that part of the World by every opportunity - They are placed at Bombay under Doctor Scotts Care - I hope you have received the different Articles which went thro' Providence Straits, in the Shah Hor-muzear, & which the Master of that Vessel forwarded to you by the Henry Dundas

Do my dear Sir! point out the Great advantages of the Flax, enough grass round the Cliffs of this Island to employ 500 people, no Cultivation, & but very little preparation is requited, points essentially necessary in every thing relating to commerce - You are well acquainted with its Value - Providence Straits will enable Ships