^T. 43.] TO CHARLES WRIGHT. 407 



plants are sent home to Baird and by him forwarded 

 to me. Wretched specimens, and nothing new 

 among them ! . . . 



Captains at sea are very apt to get a little crusty, 

 which should be minded just as little as possible. I 

 expect to hear that, after getting well settled and at 

 home in the Vincennes, you find yourself comfortable 

 and all pleasant. Gentlemanly conduct and devotion 

 to one's pursuits will at length make one respected, 

 anywhere. 



When you return, I trust you will yourself prepare 

 the botanical report of your cruise. I hope so, for 

 your own sake, both scientifically and because your 

 doing so will keep you on pay some years longer on 

 shore. I will aid you, if I live, most willingly over 

 knotty points, etc. ; perhaps would like to do certain 

 families further than that ; not, if you will take hold 

 of it yourself, as you ought to do. 



I suppose you will have found nothing new at the 

 Cape, though the vegetation there must have been 

 novel to you. It will be pleasant, in the long cruises, 

 to study yourself the plants collected at the last port. 

 Did you get any nice Algae ? Look out for them 

 hereafter. 



When you are on surveying-ground, you may prob- 

 ably be transferred back to the steamer again. 



Presently your letters will be coming to me via 

 California. I hope to continue to hear such good 

 accounts of your health and activity. Do not measure 

 my interest in your letters by the number I myself 

 write, though I mean to write oftener in future. No 

 news here, scientific or other. Mr. Carey, you know, 

 has gone back to England to live, and has married a 

 young wife there, moreover. 



