372 



which I long for your opinion ; but I will not in- 

 trude on you till you have seen and examined them, 

 further than to say, that I am in hopes of clearing 

 up the difficulties that have existed in ascertaining 

 the precise limits of the genera Maranta, P/try- 

 nium, and Thalia, and of settling some other im- 

 portant points that have occurred in the course of 

 the work, especially as to Costns, of which four 

 fine species have flowered with us this summer, all 

 of which will shortly appear in my work. 



When shall we meet again ? For my own part 

 I can only repeat my own words, that 



" .... Hope strives in vain through futurity's gloom 

 To descry one hright moment in seasons to come." 



Yet I will not despair. In the uncertainty that at- 

 tends this earthly state, in which we cannot foresee 

 the consequence of our placing one leg before 

 another, I would gladly flatter myself that some- 

 thing may occur to draw us together again, and 

 enable us to enjoy each other's society — if not with 

 all the life and vivacity, with all the warmth and af- 

 fection we ever experienced; which good wish I 

 hope Lady Smith will not refuse to share : at all 

 events present to her my kindest remembrances, 

 and believe me always, my dear Friend, most faith- 

 fully yours, 



W. Roscoe. 



