Arnold Arboretum Horticultural Library: Botanical Exploration Papers

The Agreement - dated March 1899 between Ernest Henry Wilson and James Veitch & Sons Ltd. to remain in force with the following alterations

Pec Line 1 as it stands in reference to object " 2 as modified in general construction " 3

E H. Wilson to receive a salary of £200 per annum from Feb. 1st 1903. until On return for at least a period of six months £150 per annum - during which period Ernest Veitch and E H Wilson are to use their best endeavours to obtain a suitable first for E H Wilson. Should such a post be immediately found the salary to cease, but if one be not obtained in six months Mess Veitch to favorably consider the point of further payment.

Section 4. as far as it applies respecting plant collecting " 5. as it stands " 6. as it stands - as far as possible " 7. as it stands

Shipping agents as before.

Should E H Wilson desire to undertake further trip Mess. Veitch are to have the first refusal of his services

Q. chinensis 50 failed to germinate failed to germinate worthless! worthless!

irenaens (Forke) 10 failed to germinate

[A C L B. B j b o k Lovet?]

[ wiln?] --- 140011 WII 4:4

[???] 1414 244 1181 1880 9750

Hosie's itinerary.

2280 350 360 16 2640

WIII 5:1

General Instructions December 8th 1902

E.H. Wilson, Leave England the end of January 1903 - travelling via Hong Kong and Shanghai to that district determined in conversation with 'Dr' James H. Veitch.

In that district spend the Autumn of 1903, and then Spring, Summer and Autumn of 1904.

Collect seeds - following the same methods - in every way (underlined) as those practised on the last trip, bearing however in mind, that, though frequent postings of any one kind should be despatched, large quantities at a time - with few obvious exceptions - are not to be sent.

Send (word crossed out) seeds of all plants you meet with ---- better send seed [?] [rarity?] of fifty species than miss one which may be unknown.

The object of the journey

is to get a quantity of seed of a plant - the name and general locality of which is known------- this object is the object-------- Do not dissipate time - energy and money--- on any other.

In addition and when persuing this object -- get what else you can.

2-3000 bulbs of Liluring Henryii if obtainable at no real expense may be sent packed as before.

1-2000 seeds of [Davidia?] may be sent ----- if obtainable-----packed as before.

Arrive in England if possible by January 30-1905. If however it be not possible to reap the full benefit of the crop of the Autumn of 1904---remain till it is. It will probably not be possible -- but --- once this [word crossed out] object is [word 'obtaine' is crossed out] attained return with all speed.

W III 3:1

The last [trip?] was a success -- let not this damp your ardour or lessen your energy -- to rest on reputation means certain failure.

In addition to [s]the[/s] the sums of money provided before sailing the following sums will be to your credit at the address you have given on the dates named. It is much to be desired that these sums or if possible less cover the cost of the trip -- but if not you x give ample notice

June 1st 1903 [British pound symbol?]200 June 1st 1904 [British pound symbol?]200 June 1st .. [British pound symbol?]200 June 1st .. [British pound symbol?]100

Everything obtained is to be sent to Chelsea. Write J. Veitch [?] full details -- as before

Do not write details on plant work to your friends -- the most friendly actions of friends are often harmful -- keep a complete diary, [s]but[\s] and retain your knowledge for your own publication

Arrived Shanghai 6 p.m. on the evening of March 22nd after a rough and unpleasant passage in the S/S "Ch[?}g" from Hong Kong. Put up at Central Hotel at $6.00 per day inclusive.

23rd Call at British Counsulate for Pekin passport which I find awaiting me alright.

24th Hunt up my old Boy's friend Mr. Tung Feh and make inquiries as to whereabouts of my old Boy. Find he is still in Shanghai and send for him. Boy turns up at night alright & is glad to return to my service. Says he is willing to accompany me anywhere only wants

permission to take his wife and family to Tinghai (Chusan Island) before leaving. Permission readily granted he promising to return as quickly as possible. He leaves on Saturday the 28th instant and returned early morning of April 2nd.

My own time between the Boy's engagment and his return from Chusan being filled in by making the necessary purchases and loafing around with my old friend Arthur and a fellow passenger - Mr. Harrison. The weather with exception of a couple of days was miserably wet during the whole of my time in Shanghai

Accompanied by Arthur I had a good look round the settlement at dinner time. The builder appears to be the busiest man in the place - New houses of every size & shape are being erected in all directions.

Horticulturally there is little of more than passing value to interest me in Shanghai. The craze is for the common plants of our English gardens. Violets, Hyacinths & Marguerites were largely sold in the streets: Prunus sinensus H pl in various colours & Magnolia Yulan were also present in quantities. In the Public Gardens in the [Cumitive?] & in various private gardens