
          and I had made up my mind to give you full credit
in the preface for the kind suggestions and time spent
in looking over my mss [manuscript], apart from the translations;
but unfortunately a difficulty in relation to the work
occured, which I fondly hope will not effect our friendly
relations for the present or future.

The Committee being anxious to have the Fern Book printed
with the least possible delay, and at the time when it was
uncertain whether you would continue the translations
&c &c, I was authorized (if I thought proper) to employ
some capable individual to perform that work, and to
correct the proofs, and for which a fair compensation would
be allowed; and having informed myself about what
round amount the Committee would be willing to give
for that purpose, I find that I cannot exceed one hundred
and fifty dollars ($150); and prefering as I do, to have
you to finish what you have already proceeded so far
with, I therefore on behalf of the Committee offer you that
amount, to be paid when the work is completed: should
you accept of that consideration, it would be presumptious
in me to tell a man so versed in the science of botany
as you are, what amount of labour you are to bestow
on my mss [manuscript]; but the Committee expects the individual
who undertakes the task for the sum above stated, to 
make all the translations, and correct the proofs in
part at least; and I shall on my part solicity of you
as hertofore to make such suggestions and corrections
as your critical eye may detect, and for this latter
you shall have my thanks and for the whole, due
        