
          Buffalo, May 21, 1862.


 My dear Sir:


 Very many things, and mostly of
 a disagreeable or trying nature have concurred
 to prevent my writing to you
 until now, since the receipt of your
 last favor.
 To have a Monograph of the Clintonia 
 by your hand, properly illustrated,
 would gratify me of the most ardent
 wishes of my heart. Were my brother
 still living I think the expense of plates
 would not be permitted to stand in
 the way of the execution of the work. As 
 for me, I am poorer than a church
 mouse. 
 The Bo. Soc. of Nat. Sciences [Boston Society of Natural Sciences], the
 short list of whose Honorary Members 
 you head, is now well at work: that 
 is, its active members are all, as 
 much as possible, afield.

        