
          I have nearly finished De Candolle's Th�orie 
 El�mentaire. I have devoured it like a novel. 
 It ought to be translated. that it may be more generally 
 read in this country. where something of the 
 kind is much needed. By the way, as soon as 
 you receive Lindleys new elementary work, I hope 
 you will set about preparing an American edition.


 A box from Lehmann has been received here. 
 It contains his Potentilliacea, Lessing's Synop [Synopsis] 
 Gen. [Generum] Compositarum, Nees of Esenbeck's Gen. & Sp. 
 Aster. [Genera et species Asterearum] and Kunth Enum. [Enumeratio] plantarum, vol. II, wh. [which]
 comprises the grasses (by the way he has made strong 
 work with N. Am. [North American] grasses) and some smaller matters,
 some good dried plants &c.


 This immediate neighborhood is very poor for botanizing. 
 Excepting Cyperaceae it furnishes nothing of [much?]
 interest. I shall soon. however, make more distant
 excursions, so as to include. Oneida Lake, and 
 the "Pine Plains." When I return I shall 
 bring with me a huge bundle of plants, which 
 will show that I have not been idle.


 The Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Lemur I have seen. He has very 
 decided vagabond izing propensities. and is I think 
 intemperate. He was caught by Eaton, last 
 year. who kept him some time, and exhibited him 
 to his [cubs?] as a great German seven. 


 I hope you will not forget to write me very soon 
 and give me useful hints for preserving roots &c. 
 If there are any particular plants, or Genera. wh. [which]
 you wish to cultivate, please mention them, and the 
 matter shall be most punctually attended to.


 Yours very truly


 A. [Asa] Gray

        