Item 18 - Letter from George Forrest, Tsekou, to Isaac Bayley Balfour

Identity area

Reference code

GB 235 FRG/1/1/1/1905/18

Title

Letter from George Forrest, Tsekou, to Isaac Bayley Balfour

Date(s)

  • 03/07/1905 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

1 letter, 3 sheets, 10 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.

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Scope and content

Letter from George Forrest, Tsekou [Cigu], S.E. Tibet, to Isaac Bayley Balfour M.D., 'Regius Keeper', Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, dated 03 July 1905.
Forrest writes to thank Balfour for the twenty volumes of the Linnaean Journal and for the seeds for the Consul General at Yunnanfu. Collecting has been hampered by trouble with the lamas and bad weather, but Forrest hopes to make up for lost time and secure twelve or fifteen hundred species. Forrest intends to leave for the U.K. around the end of December, subject to Mr Bulley’s approval: ‘I gather that he wishes me to remain out here for another year or so, but I do not think I shall consent, at least not at the present rate of payment.’ Although Forrest likes the work he would prefer collecting botanical specimens alone, rather than seeds.
The situation with the lamas remains dangerous: ‘Owing to the stupidity of the official who was sent north to Atuntze, the lamas of that place, and Yarragong in Yangtze valley have been allowed to escape and scatter in all directions. They have great influence over the people and as they are inciting them to rebellion we fear much trouble in the near future.’
Forrest describes an orchid growing on cliffs in the valley around Tsekou and two species of rubus, of which he encloses small scraps.
Forrest warns that Pere Monbeig is intending to write to Balfour to see if Balfour will buy specimens from him, reassuring Balfour that he has nothing to do with this.
Plants referenced: Gentian; Orchid; Rubus; Saxifrage
Letter has been scorched and there is slight damage, likely from a plant specimen inserted in the letter.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

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Conditions governing reproduction

Permission required from RBGE.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

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    Physical characteristics and technical requirements

    Letter has been scorched, with minimal loss; handle with care.

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    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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        Archivist's note

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

        Accession area