Jane Dalton

Jane Dalton (1742 – 10 December 1817) was an English collector of botanical books and a translator.

At some point before 1766, she became the ward of her first cousin Daniel Malthus, father of Thomas Robert Malthus,[1] and lived with that household at The Rookery, Westcott, until 1768, participating in its learned discussions.

[3] In 1773 she was described in a poem by Richard Graves in the character of "Delia":[4] Whilst sprightly Delia cheers her friends, (Not with wise comments on the weather, Or hints of "who and who's together", But) with remarks on books profound, Or anecdotes of the gay monde... Whilst some amid' the studious quire Touch the guitar or tune the lyre; With dedal skill whilst Delia weaves In threads of gold the mimic leaves; Or decks with flow'rs the Brussels lace To veil the beauties of her face.

[6] Her talent for landscape design was noted by a contemporary: "Everyone consulted her when they had gardens to improve.

[1] In total, 271 volumes bearing her bookplate, containing 311 separate works, make up part of the Malthus Collection at Old Library, Jesus College.