352 NOTES OF A BOTANIST 
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 ^ 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 about the disasters 
1 Sticky fruits with which children pelt each other. 
