
          altho [although] I have long separated myself from
 Botany, yet I wish to retain my herbarium
 in as complete a state as possible.


 When you write me will you be as good
 as inform me what paste you use for
 sticking on numbers or labels on minerals, least
 likely to fall off. It is so long since I heard
 of or from you that I know little more
 than of your public engagements. After
 some years abeyances, McGill College has
 been set on foot again & during the last
 winter I have lectured on Chemistry which
 has in some [?] revived my fast expiring
 scientific predilections. Whether it is to
 be continuous or not is not certain.


 Hoping yourself & family are in the enjoyment
 of God's blessings both spiritual
 & bodily. I remain 
 my Dear Sir
 Yours truly
 A. F. Holmes
        