
          I observed the other day a singular looking fern which I cannot
 reconcile with the description of any of our species. My specimens however 
 are imperfect, being destitute of Sori; but their form is unusual. You 
 will find a specimen accompanying this letter. I do not suppose that 
 any thing definite can yet be said of it, unless you are acquainted wiith
 the plant from other sources. I have most of the Ferns of this country
 but nothing which resembles this. The Viola Muhlenbergii, although not
 included by Elliott among Southern plants, grows also at Aspalaya - indeed
 there seems to be a little of everything that is new or interesting around
 that favored spot. It is most certainly the most romantic region that
 I have met with [inserted: on] this side of the Potomac.


 I have collected several specimens of that  Gentian which Mr. Croom
 noticed in Sill. Journ.. I think he then expresses an opinion that it 
 may be identical with G. alba Muhl.; a description of which I have
 never seen. If it is not a variety of G. angustifolia it certainly is very
 near that species.  It is found about twelve miles from this village in
 wet pine woods, on the road to to Aspalaya, in flower in January.
 Like the the G. fimbriata, the divisions of the corolla are reflexed during the
 day & differs in this respect from most of the other species, and is in fine
 a neat little plant. I also picked up a species of Andromeda on the 
 banks of the Okelockony (Oke-lock-ny) [accent on lock] which I think must be the A. rhomboidalis
 & if so, is the most beautiful of all our species. The leaves on the branches 
 are small, very numerous, and sub-imbricate - flowers in axillary clusters
 or in very short racemes, very numerous. When I saw it, the capsules
 were open and the seed dispersed. A rather unusual circumstance
 for this genus is found in this plant. The replum is entirely separated
 from the valves, and gives the capsules the appearance of being
 10-valver! I see this fact in no other species.


 As soon as I shall have collected a sufficient number of new
 or rare plants to make a package I will send it on.


 If the Monogr. Cyp. [Monograph Cyperaceae} is complete, I am anxious to be in possession
 of a copy, and I think, if it were thoroughly enveloped, it might 
 safely be forwarded by mail. It will complete the third volume
 if I remember. I am favored with the previous numbers.


 Dr. Gray, it appears, has received the appointment of Naturalist
 to the comtemplated expedition, and will soon [inset: be called to his post.] He ought not under
 existing circumstances to have made the application. He would do 
 more good at home & if he is really anxious to make discoveries,
 let him buckle on his knapsack & make a tour of Florida. 
        