A severe lung condition, possibly asthma, caused him to move to South Africa and take up the post of principal at the newly established Shaw College in Grahamstown. His health rapidly improved and leaving chemistry behind he resumed studying botany in which he had become interested while still in England, having started a collection of flowers and mosses. This interest was furthered by his association with Dr William Guybon Atherstone, Henry Hutton and Mrs. FW Barber.
A severe lung condition, possibly asthma, led him to relocate to South Africa and assume the role of principal at Shaw College in Grahamstown. His health improved, prompting him to abandon chemistry and pursue his interest in botany, a subject he had previously been interested in while still residing in England. This interest was furthered by his connections with Dr William Guybon Atherstone, Henry Hutton, and Mrs. FW Barber.