352 NOTES OF A BOTANIST CHAP. 



perished, my death would have been praiseworthy, 

 and my friends could not have been dissatisfied 

 with me. Have the goodness to salute Mr. Han- 

 bury for me, and to explain to him all the obstacles 

 that have opposed the execution of his commission. 

 If he is not satisfied that I have done my best, I must 

 return him the ^5 there is no other alternative. 



What a pleasure it has been for me to learn 

 something of your actual position, and it has been 

 the same for my family, who charge me to embrace 

 you with a thousand tender caresses ; for they say 

 the lapse of time only makes them remember you 

 and regret your absence the more. For me, what 

 shall I say ? I preserve in my heart the image of 

 Sefior Ricardo, but this my joy is troubled by the 

 hopelessness of ever seeing him again. What 

 happiness it would be for us to have you at Ambato 

 just now, in the most agreeable season of the year. 

 The time of ripe pears and peaches is near ; our 

 friend Mantilla, with his accustomed kindness, is 

 waiting for us to go and eat them. Miraflores is 

 now planted with poplars all along the avenue where 

 we used to walk. Tamatamas l are ready for our 

 innocent games. Isobel is at the gate waiting for 

 you. Frank and I are ready to accompany our 

 dear friend. But sweet dream delusive hopes 

 where is he ? 



Adieu, my beloved friend, adieu ! Thus your 

 sincere friends bid you farewell ! 



MANUEL SANTANDER. 



[In sending this translation to Mr. Hanbury, 

 Spruce writes: "You will read abbut the disasters 



1 Sticky fruits with which children pelt each other. 



