Details

Als dated from Bath, apologising for not writing as soon as he received Sir Joseph's commission to purchase the sweet scented cyclamen, but he was waiting to report to Banks a sighting of a celestial object using Mr Herschel's telescope with his highest power. However, due to bad weather and Mr Herschel's 'theatrical engagements' he has not seen anything and must therefore write to confirm that he has purchased half a dozen roots under the lowest price which Banks mentioned. They are now in flower and so cannot be sent. Watson will keep them in his greenhouse until he comes to London in a month to six weeks. The flowers are very fragrant and indistinguishable from other cyclamen in all other respects. They grow from seed, taking four years to flower, becoming more fragrant as they get older. They will grow in a common greenhouse but benefit from some additional heat. He was hoping to be able to tell Banks of seeing the North Star through Herschel's telescope, as Herschel has done recently. Herschel has received a letter from his nephew Mr Griesbach who had just returned from a visit to Windsor where the King asked him about his uncle and Griesbach told him that Herschel was preparing his telescope to show His Majesty. The King often makes enquiries about Herschel, and Watson hopes that the King may yet do something for Herschel. To assist this, asks Banks advice about dedicating the new star to the King, and asking advice on how this should be done, possibly through Banks as President of the Royal Society as the King is its patron. Gives further details of how particulars about the lens which Herschel used and which he himself has used, general recommendation of Herschel, inaccuracies due to the methods used which have hitherto been deemed sufficient.