
          I hope Dr. Gray will endeavor to raise up a real 
botanic garden at Cambridge worth of the university.
The [?] prossession of such a garden well directed
would give a character to the institution & reflect
great credit on him. I have understood that
there is no want of funds.

I beg you to let me know what you are
doing & when you expect to return to New York
for the winter. How you like Princeton. And 
whether you still think of building yourself a 
home there. At the very first opportunity I shall
certainly come to see you there.

My little work on "Cottage Residences" has succeeded
beyond any expectations and although it is chiefly
of a suggestive character I trust it may do some
little towards awakening a better taste in our
rural homes. I have really had quite a business "on
the European plan" and at nearly the European prices this
summer in Professional Landscape Gardening.

I should like to show you come curious pieces of
antiquities which I have in my house. Curious 
caned chairs 200 years old - ancient armor from
England etc. Can't I tempt you here for a few 
days. Mrs. Downing joins me in the kindest [assurances?] of
regard to Mrs. Torrey & yourself and I am ever truly yours

A.J. Downing

[sideways: Did not receive the [?] of the [Princes?] from Mr. Carey to which you refer]
        