Beschreibung:

(Botany) Letter of European introduction for an American farmer from an eminent Scottish botanist Author: Loudon, John Claudius Place Published: Bayswater, London Date Published: Feb. 14, 1832 Description: Autograph Letter Signed, a "General Letter of Introduction" to 8 distinguished "Gentlemen in Paris" for American Benjamin Poor. 1 page + docketing notes on attached leaf. "The bearer Mr. B. Poor, a citizen of North America, much attached to agricultural and gardening pursuits and an honest and good man, is strongly recommended to your attentions and to those of all good Frenchmen who may be personally acquainted with Your most obedient servant, J.C. Loudon". During the “Age of Jackson” when American science and technology was barely beginning to come into its own, it’s remarkable that Benjamin Poor, an unknown Massachusetts farmer, albeit an avid gardener, should travel to Europe to meet the leading master gardeners of the world, but even more remarkable that he should be introduced to these renowned horticulturists by a famous Scotsman, landscape architect of the Royal Horticultural Society, genius of greenhouse architecture (who coined the word “arboretum”), author of more than a dozen books, and, not incidentally, husband of a popular British writer of gardening guides for women as well as early science fiction. As Poor carried this letter with him on his travels, it must have had the honor of being read by the most renowned botanists, nurserymen, horticulturists, seed and plant importers of their day, including the master rose-hybridizer of the early 19th century and the designer of the royal kitchen garden at Versailles. One wonders if these men were amused to welcome a simple Massachusetts farmer who humbly shared their passions. Condition: Foxed throughout; good. Item#: 347083a Headline: Letter of introduction from Scottish botanist J. C. Loudon