314 A DECADE OF WORK AT HOME. [1844, 



neglected to write home since my return. I have 

 been very busy, of course, since the 3d of the 

 month, when I reached Cambridge, in answering the 

 heap of letters that had accumulated, and in other 

 business. And I have but just found time to com- 

 mence the preparation of my course of lectures before 

 the Lowell Institute, which is to commence on the 

 27th of February, and which will give me plenty of 

 labor and anxiety until they are over. . . . 



I have laid in a good stock of health and strength 

 for the labors of the winter which I am like to need, 

 for I have a great deal to do. Another year, if our 

 lives are spared, I trust you will make me a visit here. 

 I have just given notice that I shall wish to take pos- 

 session of the Botanic Garden house (now rented to 

 one of the professors) next autumn, where, if I can 

 get a room or two furnished, I shall have a place to 

 entertain you. Affectionate regards to mother and 

 all the family. 



TO JOHN TORREY. 



CAMBRIDGE, February 17. 



My time of trial draws near. A week from Tues- 

 day I begin. There has been a pretty brisk applica- 

 tion for tickets. But I have yet very much to do. 

 My two last lectures are not even blocked out upon 

 paper. Many pictures are yet to be made, and I shall 

 have a busy time indeed until they are all delivered. 

 The end will be deliverance indeed. Yet strange as 

 it may seem, my spirits are rather on the rise ; though 

 I will not answer for them for ten days longer. 



I have written an introductory which, with a few 

 more touches, I shall be satisfied with. And some of 

 my lectures which have least illustrations such 



