
          of necessity proceed very slowly; for my other engage-
 ments will prevent dispatch: and I am, moreover,
 of the opinion that Festina lente is a good maxim
 to be observed, in such undertakings. I am anxious
 to make as correct a local flora, as my means and
 humble qualifications will enable me to do. I
 think I have nearly all the plants of the county:
 but my great anxiety is to have them by the right
 names, and with a good, intelligible description.
 It is my intention to resort, with all my doubtful
 specimens, to my excellent & sagacious friend,
 Dr. Pickering; and, with his assistance, & the aid of
 comparisons in the Herbariums of Nuttall and
 Schwinitz , at the Academy, I hope to avoid any
 very egregious blunders.  I wish most sincerely I
 could have the advantage of such interviews with
 yourself, & some of the other New York Botanists.
 If my business would permit, I should be strongly
 tempted to pick up a bundle of [Dubia?] & set
 off for New York, to get your opinion on them.
 I would postpone my little Flora until your
 work, & that of Dr. Gray, were out - so that I
 might profit by them: but I am really afraid
 if I do not go on now, old age will catch me
 before I can bring myself to undertake it.  The
 summit of my ambition has been to prepare and
 furnish a local flora, which should be found reasonably
 correct - & prove a useful aid to the amateurs
 of Botany in this district.  If I can accomplish that,
 with any degree of credit for my industry & fidelity,
 I shall rest satisified.  I propose to avail

        