Series 13.12: Letter received by Banks from Francis Masson, 12 August 1778 - No. 0001

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Tenerife Aug.st 12 1778

Dear Sir

I have left a box of specimens here, to be sent you by the first opportunity, which I am affraid will not soon happen; however these are but a few, different from those which I sent by the Dutch-man, which I hope you received.  Since that date I have increased my collection considerably.  I have discovered some new Species of Spartiums on the Peak which will grow in the coldest parts of England.  I have also found a shrub here called Lignum Rhodium, but more commonly known by the name of Lena Noel, it is a species of Convolvulus and is in the collection by the Dutchman under the name of Convolvulus juneeoides - it is said to have been a considerable branch of comerse here but now worn out.  I should be glad to know what plant the Ol. Rhodium of the Shops [?] is extracted from.  I shall also send you some bits of the wood.

Adieu
Frans: Masson