
          Rochester June 18, 1847-

Dear Sir,

A few weeks ago I obtained your
2nd Vol. of the Bot. of this State. I was truly
glad to get hold of this splendid work, as
you have made it. It is not yet distributed
in this part of the State, & many loose the benefit of
it for this season. What a magnificent work
you have made, & the printers have made for
the public. It is curious to see the changes
of opinion. When I was asked to draw up the
herbaceous plants of Mass., it was said, that
as little of possible of scientific form was desirable,
so that the people might be [benefited?]
by it. I [feared?] utter condemnation
for having so much like science, while
it has too little to do any good or
much good. But Mass. was then in advance,
& knew not what was necessary
or useful or best, & so I was limited
in a way that I have been sorry for,
but for which there could then be no
help & for which it is to late to make
change.

You had no such difficulty.
Glad I am that you paid no attention
to any such notions, if any were known.
Now, your work will stand, & be for honor
to yourself & State.
        