BY CHARLES LYELL, A.M., FORMERLY FELLOW OF ST. PETER'S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. LONDON: WILLIAM SMITH, 113, FLEET STREET. MDCCCXLV. ΤΟ SIR WILLIAM JACKSON HOOKER, K.H., LL.D., F.R.S., ETC. ETC. DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL GARDEN OF KEW. MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM, I AM happy to have this opportunity of recording our long friendship and my obligations to you. The pleasure which I found in your society, when a humble fellow-labourer in aiding your earliest botanical work, "The British Jungermanniæ," awakened an enthusiasm which your kindness, constant correspondence, and admirable publications have never suffered to expire: a spark of it remains; and now, when age and infirmities have put an end to out-door pursuits, has been expending itself in reflection on the writings of Dante. This little volume is the result. Allow me the gratification of dedicating it to you; and of expressing thus publicly my sincerest esteem and regard. Believe me, My dear Sir William, Very faithfully yours, CHARLES LYELL. KINNORDY, 7th March, 1845. |