
          If I could in safety explore the uninhabited regions toward the coast
 many rare & choice things could be brought to light  Your city Botanists
 with polished Boots rolled to your favorite haunts in Steam boats & Cars
 have but a faint idea of the figure a Florida Botanist cuts in these
 wild woods == I take a thick bundle of newspapers which I tie behind my
 saddle  When I fill these I pack into my saddle bags as long as there
 is room - then my Hat! is brought into play as long as it will stay on
 my head -- Lastly I strap a Bundle as large as a sheaf of wheat on
 my back and then start for home on a large white horse - (My horse
 is nearly as good a Botanist as I am)  With as much trouble in 
 collecting plants & in a climate as sultry, northern botanists should not 
 complain if we place greater value on our specimens.


 I am anxious to obtain plants from beyond the Mississippi [blot]
 & the Rocky Mts  Can you refer me to anyone who would be 
 disposed to exchange with me - Dr Barratt has promised me 
 some from the White Hills - An effort will be made I expect
 as the coming session of the Leg. Council [crossed out:of the Terr.] to authorize
 a Geological survey of this Terr. --


 I send you a few plants the result of the past year's gatherings
 in company with my annual offerings to my friends -- If I
 could venture beyoond my old grounds I might send you something
 which might afford you some interest - I learn that
 Dr. Gray & Mr. Carey [John Carey, 1797-1880] paid a visit to the Mts of North Carolina
 last summer -- Can I offer them any inducement to extend their 
 next tour to our Territory -- How delighted I sholud be to go with
 them & share with them the great gratification they would have in
 seeing so many choice  things in situ -- I have [?furnished] you singular
 letter which if it affords you [insert:no] information may amuse an idle moment


 Tendering the compliments of the season I remain yrs. A. W. Chapman
        