While in the north of China with his old Regiment, the second Battalion of the Royals, Knox Birnie's friend Colonel Urquhart received a letter from RBG Kew in which was a request for him to send some of the plants of the northern provinces. While they were encamped in Talien Hwan Bay in Chinese Tartary, Knox Birnie made a small collection of the wild flowers there, totalling about 50 or 60. He only arrived [in London] about three weeks ago and he was at once ordered to Buttevant on promotion to take over medical charge of the fifteenth Depot Battalion. He left the above mentioned collection in London to the care of his uncle, who will be most happy to present them if they are still of interest. As a postscript, Knox Birnie notes that he made a collection of about 250 or 300 plants while in the Crimea, which RBG Kew are also welcome to. Knox Birnie signs himself as Staff Surgeon. Page 1 of 3.