
          our packages should be directed & be sure of finding you.


 I did not [?] your letter in Sept. till the
 Steam Boat conveying a package for Dr C. had returned
 to N. York - I made every effort on my power afterwards
 to find it but without success: but I believe he received
 it via Providence - via Boston - Dr [Ives?] promised to send
 you his new species of plants which you requested
 me to send _ I hope he has done it. It was out of my
 power at that time to [attend?] to it. _ The Gnaphalium
 decurrens is abundant in Massachusetts - and I think
 I have put up a specimen or two _ Dr [C?]. has also
 sent the Leersia lenticularis -


 I hope we shall be able
 ere long to send you a
 Catalogue of the plants growing in the vicinity of
 Deerfield _ In the mean time I would [observe?]
 that I have my few specimens of plants peculiar
 to the Middle & Southern States _ But I do
 not wish you to send me plants untill I can send
 you some of a better value _ My desultory mode
 of living at present _ the poor state of my health
 and a pressure of other engagements render it
 difficult for me to pay but very little effectual
 attention to Botany or Mineralogy - and I hope these
 considerations will afford some apology for my tardiness
 in replying to your letter _ I shall probably
 be at N. Haven untill January: but I would not trouble
 you to write a separate letter to me on account of the
 plants I send. If you name them you can if you please
 give the list in your reply to Dr Cooley.


 In much [?] your obliged
 humble servant Edward Hitchcock


 [at left: Dr. Torrey]

        