
          In the division of the collections made by Dr. Gates, in the
 South, if it can be so arranged, I think we should pre-
 fer to receive specimens of Plants, for our share:
 but, of course, we do not presume to ask for any undue
 privilege.  I merely wish to intimate our preference, in
 case a choice be allowable.  Whatever falls to our lot,
 you will please to have forwarded to the care of our Mr. Dobson,
 Philadelphia whenever the time arrives.  I am glad to hear that
 you have not lost sight of the continuation of your Flora.
 We feel very much in want of it, here, in determining
 some of our [illegible], & other difficult plants.


      We feel much indebted to you, for suggesting the ad-
 vantages to be derived from the Magazine of Nat. History, &
 Loudon's Enclyopedia of Plants.  We have already procured
 some numbers of the magazine, & have ordered the
 whole of it.  It is admirably [calculated?] to infuse
 a taste for the Natural Science.  We have also ob-
 tained a copy of the Encyclopedia of Plants: &
 although there are many American plants not
 noticed in it, it is an extremely curious and
 interesting work.  The editor seems to have carried
 the proofs of [conversation?] of knowledge, to the [?]
 plus ultra.  He has forced the acquisitions of [ages?] &
 substance of numberless folios, into one octavo.  It
 reminds me of the condensation of the Atmosphere
 in the chamber of an air gun: - or, rather,  it may
 be compared to a sort of Botanical portable [soup?];
 affording a rich repast in the the smallest possible bulk!


     I am always glad to hear the news of the Botanical
 world - & when you can find sufficient leisure to
 convey some of it to my retirement here, you cannot
 render me a more acceptable service.  With great
      respect, I remain Dear Sir,
                Yours truly


                         Wm Darlington
 Dr. John Torrey, N. York

        