
          I have such a dislike to the appearance of vacillation which 
 results from changing ones plans when fully formed, that. were it 
 not for certain ulterior advantages, and that I wish to 
 comply with the wishes. as far as may be, of a person to whom I 
 am much obliged, I should promptly decline Dr. H.'s [Hadley's] offer.


 An idea just this moment strikes me which, in its crude shape
 I will communicate. In 8 or 10 days I can get to the 
 metals. Suppose I could then get excused. & finish my 
 course, here next summer. in connexion with mineralogy, which for 
 these youngsters would do pretty well, reach N.Y. [New York] early next 
 month, set out immediately for Georgia & remain there until the 
 latter part of May, return via Charleston, examine Elliotts Herbm [Herbarium]
 & return here by the 1st of June. I may be quite sure that
 April & May would be healthy. but. could there be plants 
 enough collected, especially Gramineae to make it an object.
 Please say what you think of it, if you think it will do, I see no 
 insuperable objection to carrying it into effect.


 A few days ago a letter reached me from Prof. [Professor] Lehmann. 
 in answer to my communication 18 months ago. He is quite 
 desirous of continuing the correspondence. He is now particularly 
 engaged with Hepaticeae and is anxious to obtain our species
 and [especially?] original specimens of those described by the [late] 
 Mr. Schweinitz, &c. He has sent a box (which by 
 this time I hope has arrived in New York) containing about 
 500 species of plants & several botanical books. He also 
 writes that he has applied to Nees von Esenbeck. for dried 
 specimens of all the species of Aster cultivated in his garden
 in order to transmit them with the monography by that author.
 but. not having arrived in time they will be sent with his 
 next package. I wish to be particularly remembered 
 to Mrs. Torrey & to Mr. Shaw, not forgetting my 
 lively little friends Jane, Eliza & Margaret, whom 
 I very much long to see. I had intended. long before 
 this to have written to Mr. Shaw, but have not yet had leisure. 
 Please say to him that I am much obliged for the papers 
 he has been so good as to send me. I wish to know. whether
 he has yet apostatized from the anti-tea-drinking Society, [crossecd out: of which]
 of which Mr. S. [Shaw] & myself were ("par nobile fratrum ") such promising 
 members. Please say to him that I have not yet drank tea. but 
 am doing penance upon Coffee. Milk & Water.


 May I trouble you for the very earliest possible answer to this, 
 which will much oblige


 Yours Very Respectfully


 A. [Asa] Gray
        