
          in fact, has been chiefly that of comparring & verifying the
 descriptions of my predecessors; as I believe I mentioned
 to you in my last. - Is it probable you will go to presss
 with your U. S. Flora the ensuing spring?  If you should,
 it would be a great gratification to me to have the benefit
 of your work, as fast as it is printed.  The arrangement,
 which you have adopted, will probably enable you thus to
 furnish me with descriptions & notices of some of our plants,
 before I shall reach them, according to the Sexual System;
 & thereby may prevent me from falling into some errors.  I
 feel that I am taking some liberty, in asking such a favor;
 but still I hope you would not be unwilling to grant
 such an indulgence, under the circumstances -as I think
 I can safely pledge myself that the privilege should not be
 abused.  In return, if it would afford you
 the least satisfaction, or arrangment, to
 examine my humble performance, in reference
 to the plants therein described, when you are
 ready to go to press, I shall take pleasure
 in forwarding to you a copy, as far as it is
 struck off, & also to remit the residue, as fast as it
 is printed.  I should certainly not wish it to go out of
 your hands, in such a state: but merely that you may
 see what I have said of any plants which you are about
 to furnish a description of.  It appears to me that an exchange
 of this kind, if you begin before I get through, might be
 made without any impropriety, - and I am sure it would be 
 advantageous to me.  As I have no new plants to describe
 of course I can anticipate nothing which you may have: and all my ambition is, to endeavor to be as free from error, as possible, in descriptions & [illegible]. This
 favor is nevertheless, asked with diffidence; and if you have
 any repugnance towards granting it, I would not by any
 means urge it.  If you should not print during the present
 year, of course there can be nothing of it.  I think it will
 take me near 18 months yet, judging by the past, before I
 shall accomplish my task.  
                                  Very truly, Dear Sir,
                                   your obliged friend, Wm. Darlington
 Dr. Jn. Torrey, N.Y.
        