542 
I have some time since quitted Windsor, and am 
most comfortably lodged at the Deanery at Roches- 
ter, whither you will in future directto me. I have 
a charming house, with a very neat and convenient 
garden, and a little orchard adjoining, and com- 
pletely secluded from the town of Rochester. All 
this on the fair side. On the other hand, the neigh- 
bourhood for the most part is naval, military, and 
suited to the various business of a Dock-yard. Un- 
fortunately I have all my life long been accustomed 
to the conversation of clergymen, men of letters, and 
liberal pursuits. Our minor canons are very re- 
spectable indeed,—beyond most situations of the 
kind; but I cannot hear of a person who has the 
least turn for any branch of natural history, so that 
I seem to stand quite alone, a solitary being. 
If ever you should come into Kent, I hope you 
will take your quarters at the Deanery in your way. 
I will promise you a warm room and warm wel- 
come ; and once for all let me say, that I hope you 
will not think that any elevation of rank in life will 
make me different from what you saw me at Ealing. 
I flatter myself I have a mind above such nonsense. 
I admire the gradual progress of your English Bo- 
tany. Iam told that I am well situated for bo- 
tany; that must be ascertained as next year (if I 
live so long) opens. The whole country around 
me seems chalk, and very thickly clothed with 
wood. But without a companion one has no heart 
to move, especially as you everywhere hereabouts 
see loose fellows from the navy and Dock-yard, with 
their doxies. 
