Description

Mackay was delighted to hear about Hooker's appointment to RBG Kew and sends his congratulations and best wishes. He hopes to see Hooker and Lady Hooker in August or September and hopes to hear that the health of their daughters has improved by their removal from Glasgow. Mackay has just heard of Dr Balfour's appointment as Hooker's successor at Glasgow and is sorry for the disappointment of their friend Dr Arnott whose high botanical attainments were well suited to the situation. Mackay has the Arctostaphylos longifolia now in flower and will send Hooker a specimen if he wishes to figure it. He also has in flower a beautiful Maxillaria from Woburn Abbey, named M. rufescens, which he describes. As there have been many discussions in the ANNALS OF BOTANY regarding Saxifraga umbrosa, Mackay would like all three varieties figured in the 'Supplement to English Botany' if Hooker thinks them worthy; he has three distinct varieties as figured in FLORA HIBERNICA, one of which, S. serratifolia, he thinks is entitled to the rank of species. The hairy variety of S. geum should also be figured, as should S. elegans and S. affinis. All of these are now in flower in the garden and Mackay could send a box of specimens of each of the proper size for drawings. Mackay is anxious for Hooker's opinion on the specimens as Mr Babbington is going to Kerry in June to clear up all doubts about them. Page 1 of 2.