Letter from George Forrest, Tsekou, to Isaac Bayley Balfour, M.D., 'Regius Keeper', Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, dated 13 July 1905.
Forrest writes to say he is pleased to learn that he has discovered one or two new species. Forrest describes where he collected new species of parnassia. He has just returned from a week in the valleys of the Mekong-Salween divide, with favourable results, although the higher peaks and passes were inaccessible owing to heavy snow. There were a surprising number of species in flower, some forcing their way through the snow. Forrest describes plants and habitats of meconopsis integrifolia, corydalis, rhododendrons, primulas and lilium: ‘If I am not the first to send home seed of this species [meconopsis integrifolia], I hope to be the first to send home photos of it taken in situ…’
Regarding the trouble with the lamas, Forrest states: ‘… we have had bad news this week again. The report is that the Chinese have been defeated once more but I cannot vouch for the truth of this.’ ... ‘I am now well on in my sixth hundred of species over six hundred sheets. Got a big rise last week. Three more species of orchidaceae.’
Forrest describes and sketches a peculiar kind of fern [p.12] and sketches a new primula with pendulous flowers [p.8].
Plants referenced: Aspideum; Fern; Fritillaria; Corydalis; Lilium; Meconopsis; Nephrodium; Orchidaceae; Parnassia; Pine; Primula; Prunus; Rhododendron; Saxifrage
Letter has been fire damaged with some loss, including text. The letter has also been damaged, presumably by a plant specimen inserted in the envelope.

Bi-fold Christmas card. Pre-printed card, featuring artwork by Margaret Stones entitled "Flowers of the Himalays."

Written sometime after the death of her husband in 1967 and before her death in 1979

Proceeds for card went to "Tibetan Refugee Children"

TRANSCRIPTION

printed text in bold

[INSIDE LEFT]

"FLOWERS OF THE HIMALAYAS"
Meconopsis betonicifolia (baileyi)
Lilium sherriffiae
Meconopsis sherriffii

[INSIDE RIGHT]

This Card, drawn by Margaret Stones,
takes with it the wish to help
TIBETAN REFUGEE CHILDREN
to find education & happiness in Dr. Graham's Homes
at Kalimpong, Bengal, India

WITH ALL GOOD WISHES FOR CHRISTMAS
AND THE NEW YEAR
from
[signed] Betty Sherriff

Ascreavie