
          I shall be glad to recieve [sic] the "botanical tracts" you speak of. They
 may be left with John Wiley, 161 Broadway.


 I presume that I could give you little news of interest on the
 Flora of this region. I am near what [probably James] McBride called the most interesting
 botanical district he was acquainted with. The first season I spent here, I
 looked sharply about, & thought I found some species that are rare. I saw but
 one that I did not already possess, (Baptisia Serenae, mihi) & a fine var. of
 Baldwinia uniflora [now Balduina uniflora]. These are noticed in Sill: Journ: [Silliman's Journal, i.e. The American Journal of Science & Arts] of May last. This
 dearth of novelty, together with the heat, ticks, & Chigres [chiggers], have left me little inducement
 to further exploration for Phanerogs. [Phanerogams] You, who live at the north, have
 no idea of the nuisances we undergo in this region by a single step in the woods.
 The vermin are intolerable. It is only a fresh & untried passion that can resist
 them for a few seasons. Enumerate, if you can, the working botanists in
 the S. [Southern] States at this time. All seem to give out in a few years.
 I would continue to collect, if I could recieve [sic] anything new in return,
 but I got tired of recieving [sic] parcels with no novelties. [George] Engelmann is
 now the only one with whom I keep up old habits. 


 But there is a difficulty in the study of Fungi which may erelong check
 my investigations. Every species, & every specimen indeed, has to be brought
 under the Microscope. I have been for 25 yrs. afflicted with Muscae volitantes,
 [i.e floaters] (I suppose it is what the Faculty so call) & they are increasing, & getting more
 and more in the direct line of vision. These interfere sometimes with clear
 sight with a Microscope, & I fear may eventually put a stop to its use. 


 Present kind regards to Mr. [John] Carey. I shall have a small packet for him
 by & by, of which I shall give timely notice. 


 Very respectfully
 M.A. [Moses Ashley] Curtis


 P.S. I enclose a Solorina found here a few days ago, which seems to me to be new. Can you
 give me any information upon it? I have a good many new Lichens.
        