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[Page 3]
one and the same. I have found the calcareous rocks of the Craven mountains to produce many plants the same as those in the peak of Derbyshire but still I have found different ones in both places. We see the plants what have been profusely gathered at Botany Bay to be different from those in other parts of the globe, though perhaps may find many that are natives elsewhere. We still find but few herbaceous kinds from there and those have been raised by Mr Curtis from specimens of earth.
It perhaps may be said, that I could not undergo the labour that is customary in the gardens, but that was a mere trifle. I have suffered in roving after botany, when told, more than I expect to be credited. I have gone from home with a good pair of shoes on and returned with scarce upper leathers; when got home have crawled up stairs on my hands and knees, nay, I have even travelled while some of my nails have fallen of, and the new ones in their place have been cast through the pain of losing the first upon Ingleborough. I have been glad to suck the water out of the Sphagnum palustrie for refreshment. I have worked hard all the day and then gone 7 miles on a dark winter's night & to purchase a Botanical book by auction. When I returned from London, I was so galled with blisters on my feet, that when I first entered Dovedale, I was not able to ascend the rocks, till I had let the inflamed water out; for all I was in such pain with travelling I was overjoyed to be in my natural elemant, but it was not long before I found a plant unknown to me which I believe will prove a nondescribed Arabis, but I have not an opportunity of examining it thoroughly. If it was in my power to write all the transactions and difficulties that I have experienced since I first began with Botany, it would make a large folio volume; however, I am not afraid to engage them again; excluding the working in Bot-Gar. that I sincerely confess I cannot put up with, it not being my natural inclination, though of any, I like Mr Curtis's by far the best, and it for ever will have my praise. Any man may that works there, if wishes to learn the habit of plants, may in the proper season learn more in 1 month with propriety, than he would at either Kew or Chelsea in 3 [indecipherable].
I was given to understand that when I left London I was to go to Bo[tany] Bay though it might be late advanced in the Summer before the event would take place. I knew very well that if I remain at Kew I should get myself over head and ears in debt for then. I wa[s] indebted to a person in Manchester, and soon should have go[ne] more. Mr Dickson knows all about this, and he lent me money for to be a [indecipherable] home, for I declare I had not a farthing to call my own; so I leave you to judge whether I was in the right or wrong, and now I can truly say that I have lost most of [indecipherable] with the hopes of that which I have just mentioned. perhaps you may think that I did not apply my wages in a frugal manner, but I beg you will enquire of my late employers how I applied my time. Mr Curtis can tell you the most as I was the longest with him. I do not wish to be screened in the least, for reason and justice I admire as much as anyone. I think I may venture to say, that those which I worked along with, will not say that I was a disagreeable companion, for I am of an open and free disposition, and scorn to be concerned in a niggardly action. I have nothing further to say, only that I have spent a series of years thinking of seeing a foreign clime, but now I begin to think all will prove abortive. I have got no person to apply to but you, and now I hope you will return me a final answer, for I must now think of something else for to do. Nevertheless, I will endeavour to try (if the above does not meet your approbation) to get into foreign parts by some other means, and whoever is my employer I will do them Justice. I only ask for wages that will be me a bare maintaince, but I will not differ with a person upon this matter. perhaps the day may come, that at some piont or other will reap the advantage of that which has long been my thought. It is not my intention, to let that which at present is buried in oblivion, to lie in the grave along with me.
I am yours &c
G Caley