7. Dec, 2021
Two Botanists to the Far North of Scotland.
I am even less of a botanist than I am a geologist, but I am still able to enjoy the record left by two who visited the far north at different times. The Reverend John Lightfoot formed part of the party who toured the Highlands in 1772, under the leadership of Thomas Pennant. The two-volume record he left, Flora Scotica: or, A Systematic Arrangement, in the Linnaean Method, of the Native Plants of Scotland and the Hebrides, is, as the title implies, an important early record of Scottish Flora. It was first published in 1777 (my copy is a 1789 second edition).
The other botanist is unknown, late 19th/early 20th century. A clue as to his name might be the envelope found in one of the albums, but it is not easy to read the pencilled appellation: Mr Fred Dorbel?? He has left two albums, which include a small number of photographs, and quite a few dried specimens. I think he was studying the subject for a degree - there is a photo of him and another in academic attire. Another clue as to his whereabouts is found on the one page that mentions a vicinity: it is titled "Ross-shire Flora." Whether he visited Ross-shire, or lived there I don't know, but my contacts up there do not recognise the beach photographs (a cave, and rocks) that are included in the collection. If anyone knows where they are, do please let me know.
If botany is your 'thing', do please look at the page I have posted, and should you want further photographs (I shall post only a few) or have specific questions, or just want to tell me what I have here, do please get in touch (greywings89@gmail.com).