
          I looked [into?] the Mosses Report of Prof Dewey, and was
struck with several inaccuracies in it, as to locations, and
a want of practical information. I have been so much
among the grasses, Carices, and hay fields, both in this county
and England, that I take the same lively interest that
a farmer would. There is a good share of zeal among our 
farmers in Middletown, and I hope they will do something
better than heretofore with their pastures.

I want to know [crossed out: when] [added: how long it will be before] you come to the grasses, for your New York
Flora? Let me advise you to refer to a work if you
do not already possess it, viz The Farmers Encyclopedia
by Cuthbert W. Johnson Esq. FRS [Fellow of the Royal Society]. Adapted to the U.S.
tone [by Gouverneur Emerson] Philad. [Philadelphia] pages 1165. In turning to several of its
articles I have been struck with the great excellence and
amount of exact information it contains, especially on the
grasses, and therefore would advise you to look at it.
We still want some good practical remarks on the [Callistopteris?]
of several grasses in the US.

I presume you have the Compendium of the Census of the
US for 1840. Can you tell me why it is that Orange County
so much excels for its dairy produce. Have you a full report
of its grasses? I had intended to make this subject one of special
enquiry, but I have not been able to visit that county,
as I hope to do hereafter

Feby [February] 22d This letter has been delayed, I will now my kind friend attempt
to finish it, although I shall not be able at this time
to enter on several subjects of which I have copious notes
made intended for [added: letter communication or] our conversation, when we next
have the happiness to meet. Can you inform me where 
Dr [added: Edwin] James lives, and if he is familiar with the Indian names
of the plants (in Chippeway) and have you his vocabulary of the Chippeway
Do you propose giving the Indian names of [any?] of the
most remarkable plants in the state of New York.

Very Truly Yours
J Barratt

To Prof J Torrey MD.

        