43 



for, without a compliment, you are more accurate 

 than almost anybody I ever knew. But what shall 

 I say to your most precious black and gold Lichen 

 in the round box ! It never blest my eyes before. 

 How like geographicus, and yet how distinct ! It 

 must come among the imbricati. What think you 

 of chrysomelanos for a name ? But I would not 

 dictate, as it is yours alone ! 



I have inquired about you from Madame Combe, 

 who is so good as to indulge me with talking about 

 you. She draws me a charming picture, which 

 must be true, of your happiness. Your little girl is 

 "jolie comme un cceur, mais petite ; et les tantes si 

 bonnes ! et si heureuses ! et toute la famille si heu- 

 reuse ! " Tant mieux, thought I ; cards then and bo- 

 tany are come to a treaty of peace, of which I guess 

 the chere e'pouse is the connecting link ; and if so, it 

 is best of all. Mademoiselle Combe says you have 

 played at quadrille this last winter : even / play at 

 whist. I hope we shall be rewarded ! 



How I long to see the first sheet of your work ! 

 Your gold and black Lichen Hudson and Dickson 

 are positive is geographicus. They say it is altered 

 by growing on earth, not stones. May be so ; it is 

 very like it. 



As I send so few playthings to papa, I must send 

 one for the jolie petite ; so pray teach her my name 

 when she can speak, that she may learn to sound 

 the tli early. The two tinkling bells may serve to 

 promote exercise and trying to walk ; and I send 

 two, that there may be one in store when the other 

 is broken, which I presume may soon happen. 



