38 EARLY UNDERTAKINGS. [1833, 



until now ; have just commenced a chemical course, 

 to continue nine weeks, which will conclude my duties 

 for the year. The compensation is board, room, wash- 

 ing, fuel, and all other expenses of the kind, for the 

 whole year, or as much of the year as I choose to 

 remain here. All expenses of the laboratory are de- 

 frayed (which by the way are not likely to be heavy), 

 and in addition I receive $300. The advantages of 

 the situation are, leisure and the means of a comfort- 

 able support. The disadvantages, the school is not 

 incorporated and though now flourishing may not con- 

 tinue so, the scholars are too young, the principal 

 wishes to retain too much of the Eatonian plan to 

 suit me, and they have not furnished the means for 

 the chemical course which I had a right to expect. 

 No arrangement has been made for another year, but 

 I have reason to think I shall be requested to remain 

 another year. I am confident my leisure time would 

 be employed to greater advantage if I was situated so 

 as to have access to good libraries and extensive col- 

 lections. 



At present I can be satisfied with a moderate in- 

 come, sufficient for a comfortable support, for the 

 purchase of a few books, etc. ; but that income 

 must be sure ; I cannot afford to run any risks about 

 it. I would willingly collect plants the whole sum- 

 mer, take on my hands the whole labor of preparing 

 and arranging them, but as the proceeds would be 

 absolutely necessary for my support, so they should 

 be certain. I am now advantageously situated for 

 the collection of plants, etc., as, if I choose, I can 

 travel every year with a class who will defray my ex- 

 penses. 



If you still desire to make such arrangement, please 



