494 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
the genus, that do not seem to me accurately described. 
This neighbourhood is rather rich in plants, and if you desire 
to have any, and let me know at once, there will be ample 
time to collect and forward them in due season.” 
Mobile, April 17, 1845. 
“I am honoured with your letter, dated February 10, 
and beg to thank you for the interest you are pleased 
to express in my affairs. In the first place, I have to inform 
you that the untoward circumstances and heavy loss sus- 
tained by me while descending the Mississippi, as men- 
tioneded in my last communieation, have, notwithstanding 
my most strenuous efforts, compelled me to defer for a few 
months longer my tour to the mountains of Texas and Santa 
Fé, (for I purpose, if I live, visiting both.) Do not, I en- 
treat you, consider me lukewarm in the matter, for it is with 
the greatest reluctance I submit to delay, even for that short 
period ; but poverty is a powerful check-rein, and at present 
there is no alternative. I have, however, pleasure in inform- 
ing you that two months ago, I took the superintendence of 
a gentleman’s garden at Mobile, reserving to myself the pri- 
vilege of dedicating what time I might find requisite to 
collecting plants, seeds, and specimens. I am perfectly 
aware that the Flora of this portion of America is too well 
known to promise much interest, at least in comparison with 
an untrodden region, but I shall strive to make the former 
subservient to enabling me eventually to explore the latter. 
And even here there is much variety and beauty among the 
plants ; so that since I must stay till the end of the season, 
_ I shall be enabled to transmit you so large a collection for 
the sum you specify, as will give you entire satisfaction. 
Indeed, I should be sorry to restrict my exertions to mere 
payment; I shall feel pleasure in sending all I can. 
* You speak of the practicability of forwarding the growing 
specimens, packed in Sphagnum, and I have had so much 
experience, and been always so successful, that there is no - 
risk to be feared, especially as moss of that kind is abun- 
