
          I assure you that I have been astonsihed at the number
 of beautiful and rare specimens contained in this herbarium
 I have no doubt that I will obtain from it an addition
 to my collection of at least 500 new plants, with duplicates
 enough to exchange with the whole ward. There are
 certainly many new [crossed out: speci] plants in it; but not the 2000
 which he mentions in [crossed out: this] the preface of one of his works
 [unless?] you acknowledge his easy method of forming new
 gen. [genera] & species.


 I keep this herbarium at our disposal and I think 
 really you will find it worthy of your examination and
 probably a great no of duplicates that are wanting in your
 extensive collection and are put at your service. Let me
 know the families you with how to have; I will select those
 only that are rare or preculiar or [crossed out: of] which he has made
 new subjects to his nomenclature. I will send it by packages
 as I put it in order and find opportunities to transmit them
 through Milhan or Souillard.


 I have now the means of making exchanges, if any should
 apply to grow for that purpose, I am the man ! [crossed out: of] Before
 purchasing R. S collection , I prepared three lists for Dr Chapaean,
 Curtis and Barratt; but now I shall postpone my correspondances
 with those gentlemen until I have ascertained the accession I 
 may make to my herbarium by means of my late acqusition.


 I am my dear sir, very respectfully
 Yours &c [etc]


 E. [Elias] Durand
        