Letter received by Banks from Thomas Andrew Knight, 29 December1804 (Series 72.104) - No. 0001

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Dec 31 1804

Elton, Dec. 29, 1804

My Dear Sir

As you do me the honour to think that my paper required little alteration I am very sorry that I gave you the trouble to return it to me.  Your Favour of the 10th came safe to my Hands but I by some Means neglected to acknowledge it in my last: the truth is I wrote it in a Room where few ladies were conversing, & as sometimes happens, three of them, on an average, talking at once: & I recollect but very little of the Contents of my letter.  I am however happy to find it contained something to interest you.  Did I mention to you an experiment with Horse Chestnuts which during their germination were frequently inverted?  If I did not I shall have the pleasure to communicate my observations on them when I trouble you with another letter.

Your Favour of the 10th was written just on the benefits of my paper & before you had read any part of it; & as the parts it contains will (I hope) serve as a basis for a more perfect & elaborate Theory of Vegetation I felt anxious to receive the Benefit of your observation before it was presented to the Royal Society & indeed before the Copy ultimately left my own Hands; but had I known that after reading it you thought little alteration wanted I should not have troubled you to return it to me.  I have recopied two of the Half-sheets & have made such alterations as I have thought necessary & the paper now pleases me much better than it did. I return it by the Mail of tomorrow. I now proceed to answer some of the questions you 

Dec. 31