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Parramatta 12th of March 1804
Sir
I have sent a box by the Calcutta directed for you. It contains about 400 specimens of plants; 162 papers of seeds in a small brown bag; 128 pages of the descriptions of plants; 2 sketches of routes, which show the habitats of several plants; and a paper with observations upon the Thermometer on the hottest day that I have ever felt e&c. The specimens are thickly crowded, and great care must be taken in unpacking them. I would advise you to place them in sheets of soft paper, to take out the wrinkles that they are likely to be liable to.
It is not unlikely but what I may have sent several sorts of seeds that I have remitted before, and a few duplicates may have got intermixed. The descriptions of plants have been as accurately taken as one in my capacity would admit of. Several of them have been taken upon the place of growth; and I am sorry that I have not given you a reference of such, as they cannot be so well relied on, as those that have been taken when at home. It is often the case with me, that when I have made a remark upon a plant something else has occurred, and I have made an additional remark; these I have never yet contrasted, and I have copied them of with all the rudeness as when first taken. I have tried of late to use the language of Linnæus in making descriptions, but I have to lament that this is above my reach, and am afraid that I wil not be so easily understood as if I had used an English dress, however I trust that Mr Dryander will look over these defects with a regardless eye. If I can add so much from whence distinguish character can be made, is my ultimate wish The small brown paper bag contains only 2 different seeds. The one is a poppy, & the other a beautiful species of Calistea whose flower is of a dark red color & I think will attract the notice of the nurseryman &c.
July 24
July 24