Letter received by Banks from Christopher Smith, 23 June 1799 (Series 16.06) - No. 0008

[Page 8]

also convenient to send plants from hence to Bombay, Madrass, and Bengal at all Seasons, the conveyance are so Short and frequent.

     It is supposed by some Gentlemen that the Calcutta B.t Garden will fall, the expenses are enormous, and very little of any importance produced from it.  (This will ever be the case so long as the head is deficient in practable knowledge;) the annual expenses exceeds £4000 Sterling.

    On my return from the Moluccas to Bengal in June 1798, I had the honor to receive your letter of date 26th May 1796, it gives me great satisfaction to see that you are satisfyed  with my conduct, and also that the Bread fruit trees are thriving well in Jamaica.

    Since I have had the honor of being patronised by you, it has been my ambition to endeavour to do credit to your recommendation and you will see from the enclosed copy of a letter from the Rt Honble the Governor General
to