
          ansions to have your instructions about the botanical works which I 
 ought to have and are not to be found in our libraries. The Academy
 of Sciences is not deficient in the best works on ornithology, entomology,
 mineralogy &c. but it is poor in botanical works and I want it to be
 provided with the same advantages for botanical pursuits.


 Deprived of a good sight and unable to use strong glasses without
 suffering much, still I feel an irresistible love for our science and long
 for the opportunity of making myself useful, if I can do so. Tell me
 frankly, my dear sir, when you have seen my next paper, whether I have
 the ability to satisfy experienced botanists; if my descriptions are secundum
 scienciam, if my scribbling is good enough, &c or if it is better for me to stop
 here? Thirty nine years ago, when I arrived in this country, I had more
 theory in the science than I have at present ; I was fresh from the benches
 and not rusty with latin and greek as I feel, naturally, after a life
 of commerical activity devoted to a primary object ... not of wealth,
 I scrorn it, but of comfort to my family and to myself in my old age.


 Now that I have attained that object. I feel my physical and mental
 means much impaired. If you think, however, that I was still fit
 for any useful labor, such as a monograph of some family, I will
 undertake it (as I have leasure hours) subject to your revision and
 with your assistance and that of our friend Prof. [Professor] Asa Gray. Otherwise,
 I will confine my attention to the formation of the North Amer. [American] herbarium
 which I am now arranging for the Academy of Natural Sciences, and 
 devote my leasure times at home to other studies. We shall speak
        