The correspondence consists of letters addressed to James Backhouse and his companion relating to their missionary journey. Most are from people in official positions thanking the missionaries for their work, acknowledging books and reports, replying to requests for information or offering introductions, help and hospitality and also some discussion of religious matters and references to botany in which James Backhouse was interested.
Index Plantarum, or an attempt towards a popular Description of some of the most common and remarkable Indigenous plants of Van Diemen's Land. Pages 61-114. From the preface: Of the articles which compose the Annual, the view of our indigenous plants, will it is hoped, be found not the least acceptable. Though not by any means complete, being a first attempt, it will, we trust, serve to excite a taste among our readers, as well for botanical research as for the pleasures of the field and garden. In compiling it advantage has been taken of every source of information that was open to us at the time. And chiefly we have to thank the industry and kindness of our much valued friend Mr. Backhouse, whose knowledge of the Flora of this island is so extensive. We have to return our thanks also to Mr. Ronald Gunn, who so kindly obliged us with a perusal of his’ Hortus Siccus’ and the invaluable descriptions of Dr. Hooker. The labours of Loudon, Brown, Sprengell and others were likewise of much service
