
          notes some of the most important matter in the book viz. the classification.
It was my intention to complete the book, make it small & portable, & cheap, 
but in those points I am not satisfied. You see I have made a venture
by adopting the classification &c. of Mohs. It is the only way of treating
the science, notwithstanding the many barbarous names, &c.
Another edition will give me an opportunity to improve & correct the work.
Till then I hope you will speak in as favorable terms of it as conscience
will permit. Let me hear as soon as convenient from you. Tell me
your opinion of it, but do not use any of your sarcastic words such as
poh!! funny!! & the like. I am pursuing in my own way the different
branches of nat. [natural] history, particularly ornithology, & have already made
quite a collection, but I labour under so many disadvantages that
were it not for a good stock of enthusiasm (which comes on rather too much
in paroxisms [paroxysms]) I should faint by the way. I have hoped to drop into
N. York this fall, but probably shall not, as the season is advancing
to a cold uncomfortable state. I wish you would call in on Mr. Chilton
or Mr. Pike's & engage for the College a pair of brass reflectors. I
shall want them in 3 or 4 weeks. Do this & you will oblige the College
& myself. I am now printing a table of mineralogical synonyms, a
thing much needed, & which I will send you ere long. I am also making
a catalogue of our birds for Prof. Hitchcock's Survey. Some other
things in contemplation. Sir I remain yours 
truly
E. Emmons

Prof Torrey
        