Item 4 - Letter from George Forrest, Talifu, to Isaac Bayley Balfour

Identity area

Reference code

GB 235 FRG/1/1/1/1906/4

Title

Letter from George Forrest, Talifu, to Isaac Bayley Balfour

Date(s)

  • 27/03/1906 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

1 letter, 2 sheets, 8 pages

Context area

Name of creator

(1873-1932)

Biographical history

Born in Falkirk in 1873, George Forrest became one of Scotland's most prolific plant collectors, conducting seven expeditions in Yunnan province, S.W. China between 1904 and his death there in 1932.

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Letter from George Forrest, China Inland Mission, Talifu [Dali], to Professor Isaac Bayley Balfour, 'Regius Keeper', Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, dated 27 March 1906.
Forrest writes expressing worry at a lack of communication from Balfour and hopes he has not offended him. Forrest thanks Balfour for the camera and all his kindness and encloses more photographs. Asks if the plants which he sent before leaving Tsekou [Cigu], and those collected during his escape from the lamas, have arrived. Asks that additional items be sent via Lao Kai, Tonkin, as there is parcel post between Tonkin and China, but not between Burma and China. Forrest has not heard from Mr Bulley for nearly 4 months and needs to know if his seeds have been of value before risking his life again.
Plants referenced: Meconopsis; Rhododendron
Letter has been badly fire damaged with some loss, including of text.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

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Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Conditions governing reproduction

Permission required from RBGE.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Language and script notes

    Physical characteristics and technical requirements

    Letter has been badly fire damaged with some loss, including of text; handle with care.

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    Notes area

    Note

    It should be noted that the catalogue descriptions, summaries and letters may contain sensitive subjects and Forrest’s language, spellings and attitudes which may be deemed offensive now.

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    Dates of creation revision deletion

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        Sources

        Archivist's note

        This Forrest correspondence collection summary has been provided by library volunteer Pauline Maclean.

        Accession area