Howard to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant
with copy of a dispatch from the Governor of Vancouver's Island
reporting the shipment of a Box containing a further supply of Seed
and Cones of the Douglas Pine and I have to request that you will
express my thanks to the Duke of Newcastle for his compliance with my
request, and as I believe His Grace takes an interest in the growth
of the Douglasii Pine in this Country I transmit herewith for his
information copy of a report from the Nurseryman in the New Forest,
who has charge of these plants.

Having regard however to the particulars therein contained I shall be
obliged if the Colonial Office will request Governor Douglas not to
collect any more seed for the Office of Woods until the result of the
present parcel shall have been ascertained.