
          zealous, however in this undertaking and firmly resolved to become
 one of the fraternity, when the proper time has arrived. I always
 had a particular delight for Botany. I attended, when very
 young the lectures of Jussien & de Thonin and made
 several long explorations in the Western provinces of France
 with Mr Bastard, who wrote [crossed out: the] [written above: an] excellent flora of those
 regions; but liace, constantly engaged in active business, I had
 to give up my affections for botany and to neglect its study.
 For 21 years I have been in this country. New sights excited
 [crossed out: my] old feelings; I could not see so many stangers without
 forming some acquaintances and extending to my European friends
 the delights [added: given me by] [crossed out: of] so many pretty Sylvan coquettes. I collected
 for them and every winter, 4 or 5 packages sailled [sailed] for Havie;
 but I never kept ant for myself before 1830, when I begun
 my hebarium and established exchanges with European botanists;
 by means of which ( and my own industry in this country)
 I have already filled 40 large portfolios, containing not
 less than 7000 specimens. Thus accumulating my materials
 for an elaborate study, when I am permitted to retire from
 business and live in otio et vitve commodis. Therefore, sir,
 be not astonished at my simplicity and ignorance in the science.
 I have not studied as yet; so I have no [added: other] diagnosis, but a
 mere eye sight,  a tact or habit of grouping plants together.
 Having no time to devote to study, I never take a book in
 my explorations; I never open one to examine a green
 plant I take long trips (for exercise sake) a large
        