38 EARLY UNDERTAKINGS. [1833, 
until now; have just commenced a chemical course, 
to continue nine weeks, which will conclude my duties 
for the year. The compensation is board, room, wash- 
ing, fuel, and all other expenses of the kind, for the 
whole year, or as much of the year as I choose to 
remain here. All expenses of the laboratory are de- 
frayed (which by the way are not likely to be heavy), 
and in addition I receive $300. The advantages of 
the situation are, leisure and the means of a comfort- 
able support. The disadvantages, the school is not 
incorporated and though now flourishing may not con- 
tinue so, the scholars are too young, the principal 
wishes to retain too much of the Eatonian plan to 
suit me, and they have not furnished the means for 
the chemical course which I had a right to expect. 
No arrangement has been made for another year, but 
I have reason to think I shall be requested to remain 
another year. Iam confident my leisure time would 
be employed to greater advantage if I was situated so 
as to have access to good libraries and extensive col- 
lections. 
At present I can be satisfied with a moderate in- 
come, sufficient for a comfortable support, for the 
purchase of a few books, etc.; but that income 
must be sure; I cannot afford to run any risks about 
it. I would willingly collect plants the whole sum- 
mer, take on my hands the whole labor of preparing 
and arranging them, but as the proceeds would be 
absolutely necessary for my support, so they should 
be certain. I am now advantageously situated for 
the collection of plants, etc., as, if I choose, I can 
travel every year with a class who will defray my ex- 
nses 
If you still desire to make such arrangement, please 
