Dear Sir
I did not know that Lord Ilchester <1> wanted Palms <2> to be grown in the open air. I fear that he will not succeed with many.
Chamærops humilis, Chamærops Palmetto, Fortune’s <3> China Palm & a few others may be kept in life by careful attention & protection during winter. But one very cold season may do away with all the care of many years –
I shall be glad to receive the Bulbous plants <4> for the Botanic garden –
When your Royal Society <5> papers are ready I shall be happy to receive them in order that I may put them at once in the hands of the printer. I wish to get the Transactions published, as soon as possible.
I am Yours sincerely
J. H. Balfour
Royal Botanic garden
7 May 1863
Notes:
1. William Thomas Horner Fox Strangways, 4th Earl of Ilchester (1795–1865), botanist, art collector & diplomat.
2. See Doc. No: 08682 and Doc. No: 00285; and Doc. No: 08703 to which this is the reply.
3. Robert Fortune (1812–1880), collector of plants in China and Japan. ‘Fortune’s China Palm’ is probably Chamærops Fortunei.
4. See Doc. No: 08703.
5. The Royal Society of Edinburgh.