
          I am particularly desirous, at an early day,
 to see a specimen of the Arenaria lateriflora;
 and if you have one that you can spare, by
 enclosing it to me by mail you will much
 oblige me.  I presume a specimen that would
 answer my purpose might be enclosed in a 
 sheet of common [cap?] paper, folded like a
 letter, so as to come by mail without being
 injured.  My reason for wishing to see an un-
 doubted specimen is this.  Last winter I sent
 some of my doubtful plants to Mr. Schwinnitz
 for his opinion on them; and among others was
 one which he proounced to be Arenaria 
 lateriflora.  I accordingly inserted it in my
 catalogue; but on a careful review of the
 plant, this last season, I cannot help feeling
 some doubts on the subject, which I should
 like to have removed before the catalogue
 is published.  It occured to me lately that
 you might probably be able to send me
 a specimen that would answer my purpose;
 and this is the motive of the present request.
      I pray you to excuse this freedom, &
 to believe me with great respect, your
              obliged friend & obedient servt,
                                         Wm. Darlington


 John Torrey M.D.        
    West Point     
        