
          will perceive the additional printed sheets of my
Flora. I sent a preceding parcel, last fall, which
I hope reached you, though I have heard nothing
[crossed out: from] of it, since I left it with Mr. Shaw in Philada [Philadelphia].

I am highly gratified with the arrangement
of the Scientific Corps, for the Exploring Expedition.
With Gray & Pickering in company, I have nothing
to apprehend, so far as my favorite pursuits are
concerned; & I have no doubt the other departments
are also well filled. I am mortified, however, to see
the miserable quarrel, among the naval gentlemen,
about it. I do hope they may be enabled to get
along with their business, when they have once sailed,
without any unhappy misunderstandings.

I am glad to hear you say that next autumn
may afford us a specimen of your promised Flora;
although I fear it will be a long time before
we shall see it all. Your plan of parcelling it
out, among your botanical friends, is doubtless a good
one, as it is scarcely possible, during the short period
allotted to human life, for one man to accomplish
so large & tedious a work. The parts which Dr. Gray
is to write, however, must of course be delayed until
after his return; which seems to indicate a "hope
deferred," for the readers. Nevertheless, we must do the
best we can; & my advice to you is, make a begining, 
in good earnest. It will never do to be all your
lifetime getting ready. If you are, some one else will
run away with the credit due to your labors. In haste,
Yours sincerely,
Wm. Darlington

Dr. Jno. [John] Torrey, N. [New] York.

        