Album of preserved samples of Scottish mosses, c.1828

This material is held atEdinburgh University Library Heritage Collections

  • Reference
    • GB 237 Coll-1398
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1800-1850
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 1 volume

Scope and Content

Probably Scottish (c.1828). Album bearing mounted moss specimens, each specimen with accompanying contemporary ink annotations, interleaved with additional blanks, modern notes on the album contents on pastedown and flyleaves. Original vellum. Borders with gilt foliage roll.

Administrative / Biographical History

It is believed that the majority of the moss samples contained in this album were collected in Scotland in the early 19th century. This can be dated from the paper of the album which is watermarked as Robert Weir, Carron (Grove Mill), 1828.

The unknown botanist collector has included many fruiting specimens from locations including Tarbolton, Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, Newton near Ayr, Dean Castle Kilmarnock, Stair, Craiglockhart, Carrick Hill, Edinburgh College Yard and Dalrymple.

Modern notes at the rear of the album suggest that the botanist was working to the classification used in the second edition of Muscologia Britannica (1827) by Sir William Jackson Hooker (1785-1865) - father of Joseph Dalton Hooker - and Thomas Taylor (1775-1848).

Access Information

Open to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance of visit.

Acquisition Information

Material acquired May 2012. Accession no: E2012.29.

Archivist's Note

Catalogued by Graeme D. Eddie 16 January 2013

Subjects