
          The Mentha I found growing on the bank of a rice field in small
quantities and so situated as to induce the suspicion of its being exotic.
Mr. Lewis Le Conte would of course not find it among our described
plants, but he is not enough of a botanist to be relied on in a 
difficult case. But his is deemed one of the most accomplished chemists 
in the S. [Southern] States. The Carex you speak of, you are perfectly welcome
to keep. It is C. baldwinia, Dewey, described and poorly figured in one of
the late number of Silliman's Journal. (The C. panicea, L. which Dewey has
introduced into our Flora, I have got from Canada!)

The viviparous Scirpus I had succeeded in finding imperfect heads of,
in a late examination of it. My conjecture that itmight be a Syena 
was sudden and formed without an examination of the plant. Scleria 
you have settled as I had done. Cyperus I really know nothing 
about, there being but about half a dozen species that I had settled
satisfactorily, all which you have confirmed. My visit to N. Y.
next month is yet undecided upon, and my time unsettled. I should
should esteem it a high privilege to examine your herbarium, and if
able to devote time to the object would solicit the favor on my my contemplated
journey to Carolina.

I have lately recd a letter from Dr. McKee. The perplexed
state of his affairs, consequent on his late change and heavy
purchases, has kept his attention drawn off from plants.
He remarks that he should otherwise have favored you
with some specimens. I hope I shall not add
vexation to trouble by this letter.

Yours truly
M. A. Curtis.

Dr. John Torrey
New York
N.Y.

        