
          to the study of natural affinities: and I propose, even
 under the Sexual arrangement, to act as a suggestion
 of Dr. Pickering, and group our plants in natural
 orders, as far as practicable, without doing too much
 violence to the system adopted.  For example, I propose
 to keep all the Cyperaceae together - & all the Gramineae;
 and likewise the Labiatea & Legumminosea.  The
 Compositea, [cruscif..?] & Rosaceae, being pretty much
 kept together, even upon the Sexual Scheme  - I shall have
 seven of our greatest & most important tribes of
 plants consorting tolerably well together under an avowedly
 aritificial system.  The exceptions will scarcely be
 greater, or more numerous, than those indicated in the
 natural orders.  My plan may be considered as
 a kind of compromise, or middle course - en:
 deavoring to avail myself of the facilities &
 advantages of both the rival systems; with
 the view to aid the progress of beginners & I prepare them
 to receive the natural method as soon as as possible.
 Whether, in this endeavoring to get along  "in [medio?] I
 shall find my course [illegible], is a question to be solved
 by the trial; but I confess the more I ponder & reflect
 on it, the better I like it.  I feel the more fortified
 in the project, by having the [sanction?] of my sagacious
 friend Pickering, - who has adopted the arrangement, even
 to a greater extent than I propose to do, in the Herbarium
 of the Academy of Nat. Sciences in Philadelphia.


     May I hope to hear from you, in reply to the inquiries
 of this & my preceding letter, at an early day? You may
 be as brief as your convenience requires - if you will
 only furnish the desired  information.  I hope to commence
 printing soon - & I shall greatly desire to get your diagnosis
 of the grasses before I reach them.  Excuse my [imp..?]
 & believe ever your sincere & obliged friend,


                                         Wm Darlington
 Dr. Torrey, New York

        