James Smith (Scottish botanist)

James Smith

James Smith
Born 1763
Ochiltree, Ayrshire, Scotland
Died 1 January 1848 (aged 84)
Monkwood Grove, Minishant, Ayrshire, Scotland
Occupation Botanist
Spouse(s) Elizabeth Doeg
Children 6

James Smith (1763 – 1 January 1848) was a Scottish botanist. He founded the Monkwood Botanic Garden and Nursery. It contained about two acres; and a collection of over 2000 exotic plants.

Personnel Life

Smith was born in Ochiltree, Ayrshire. He is known for his contributions to the field of botany. Not to be confused with James Edward Smith, Smith was regularly consulted by famed botanical illustrator William Hooker about different species of plants. Smith would gather rare plants from many places to create what was said to be one of the prettiest gardens in Scotland at the time. He loved his plants so much that he couldn't bear to destroy any of them and it is said that once when he was compelled to chop down a tree which had grown so large that its shadow threatened other plants, he shut his eyes and hacked at the tree until it fell.

Death

Smith died on 1st January 1848, aged 84. His tombstone in Ayr Auld Kirkyard described him as "the father of Scottish botany". By the end of the century both the house and garden at Monkwood Grove had gone but it remained a favorite place for Sunday afternoon walks and occasionally we were rewarded with a sight of one of Smith's rare flowers surviving among the tangle of brambles and wild plants. Monkwood Grove was so remote that a little house which stood on the Dalrymple bank of the river was known as Fin' Me Oot. Although Fin' Me Oot cottage has gone too, the two fields on Monkwood Mains land beside the river are known as the Fin' Me Oot holms.

Smith's daughter Margaret married well known botanist and author John Goldie. Making him Goldie's father in-law.

References

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