
          repect to a monograph of the solidagoes & asters from
 me. I have no expectation of ever being able to do so
 much in botany as that: I directed my attention
 a little to these genera this autumn cheifly to
 give more interest to my botanical excursions. I
 have done little more however than to collect
 most of the species growing in this neighborhood_
 a miserable state of health having prevented
 my studying them much. Perhaps
 I may furnish some assistance to a future
 monographist.


 Prof. Hovey formerly of Williams College now
 fills the same station here: And he wishes me to
 enquire of you whether you can direct him
 where and on what terms he can get a good
 Air Pump. Are they made in N. York? Do you
 know of any second hand one not injured?


 I lately for one of the [Marcets?] instruments for showing
 the phenomena of high steam from B. Pike in Wall
 Street N. York & there is such a defect in the
 instrument as defies all the efforts I have yet made
 to make hold steam. Is not Pike an honorable
 dealer? I mean one that can be depended upon?


 That article in the Christian Spectator was
 prepared in great haste. The review in the last
 April No. of the N. American Review I think you
 will say is a more philosophical view of the subject.


 If you decide to have the drawings undertaken
 I hope you will let me know as we should
 probably have to send to Boston for paper of

        