28 



naeusin the middle. But alas! my divisions are 

 not full, although they contain many excellent 

 things. I almost hecome ambitious, and would 

 wish to have in my herbarium other than Swiss 

 plants, although they must and shall be my princi- 

 pal object. I could wish to have plants that nei- 

 ther Wyttenbach, Haller, or La Chenal can produce. 

 — What will you think of me ? I have thrown off 

 some of my moderate and humble ideas, and may 

 say as you tell me, " You may thank yourself." If 

 I no longer think myself a cipher, may it not be, 

 that having left every path that might have led to 

 an amelioration of fortune, I wish to have an ade- 

 quate collection ? adequate recompence ? When I 

 think of some men, among whom I may in con- 

 science, without an atom of flattery, reckon J. E. 

 Smith, I hide my head ; — when I think of some 

 others, I draw aside the veil. 



Adieu, my dear friend. Remember your most 

 affectionate and devoted 



E. Davall. 



J. E. Smith to Mr. Davall. 



My good Friend, London, March 9, 1790. 



Your two delightful long letters were most ac- 

 ceptable, and have not been answered yet for that 

 very reason, for I have not been able to sit down to 

 answer them as they deserve, so have deferred it. 

 Nevertheless, I must thank you for them now, and 

 answer them fully when I can. I am now in the 



