No. 94
Downing Street
16 April 1862
Sir,
I am directed by the Duke of Newcastle to transmit to you a copy of a letter addressed to His Grace by the Honorable James K. Howard, one of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Woods and Forests, requesting that half a hundred weight of the seed of the Douglas Fir may be obtained from Vancouver Island by next Spring, and that the sameManuscript image quantity may be supplied for a few successive years, and I am to request that you will take the necessary steps for complying with Mr. Howard's wishes in this respect.
You will observe that the Office of Woods and Forest will defray any expense which may be incurred, and that it is desirable that the seed should be sent home via Panama.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant
Frederic Rogers

Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Copy, Howard to Newcastle, 12 April 1862, requesting a supply of Douglas Fir seeds for planting in the royal forests.
Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)
Manuscript image
The Hon:Jas K Howard to the Duke of Newcastle

copy
55
1 Whitehall Place
April 12, 1862

Having lately read a Report to the French Government from the Timber Inspector in Cherbourg Dock Yards in which he speaks highly of the qualities of the Vancouver Douglas Fir for shipbuilding purposes I think it would be advisable to plant such portions of the Royal Forests with it as are not well suited for growing Oak it is quite handy which the Manuscript imageDeodara is not, as the latter, with every precaution taken in rearring and planting out in the Forests will not stand our severe spring frosts.
I should be much obliged to you if you could assist me in obtaining a supply of the Douglas Fir seed through the Governor of Vancouver. If he could send me half a hundred weight by next spring and continue to send the same quantity for souring in each succeeding spring for a few years to come it would enable us to raise a sufficient supply supplyManuscript imagesupply of plants for stocking the Forests.
Of course this Department will pay any expenses that may be incurred in collecting and transmitting the seed which should be ordered home via^ Panama to avoid the long sea voyage.
Yours truly
(Signed) James K. Howard