
          of strangers to transmit them. - Next spring, say Febr. [February] 
 and March, I can have ample opportunities [crossed out: who] by own
 own merchants, who will be going on to lay in this stock of 
 goods. - I have numbered my plants, & should be happy [crossed out: to]
 whom you have leisure & convenience, to make out for me their 
 specific names. - If the plants which I send are acceptable. 
 Please notify me by mail, & if there are any particular plants 
 in my neighborhood of which you are desirous of studying 
 their locality &c. &c. [etc. etc.], it will give me much pleasure to transmit
 them. - 


 I feel anxious to receive the next number of your
 Flora as soon as possible after its publication, I shall be 
 much obliged to you if you will transmit me a copy by 
 mail, and I will send the amount of the subscription, 
 directly to your publisher by our merchants in the spring, or 
 if you prefer it, I can immediately pay your agent at
 Columbus, Mr. Whiting, through whom I have obtained the
 proceeding numbers. - 


 I am also anxious to get a good microscope. - If Dr. Gray
 can procure one from France, of the quality, and at the price
 of Mr Sullivants, without much inconvenience, I should be glad.- 
 Please let me know what can be done in this respect, and
 with regard to the probable cost immediately. - I am 
 not, of course, familiar with their use, and I should be glad
 to know whether the larger one like Mr. Sullivants, will 
 supersede the use of the smaller & more simple one. - 


 The whole subject of my letter, I give as the 
 apology, that might seem necessary in a total stranger
 addressing you. - 


 With sentiments of respect, yours truly.-


 John M. Bigelow


 Drs Torrey & Gray
        