
          Did you receive a communication from Dr Mead ^ [inserted: post Master] Augusta
 Hancock Co Ill.? Dr Beck received some assistance from him &
 I think he might be of some service to you. He has no late
 works - is confident he has some plants not described in any work
 he has! If I had time I would go & see him before sending to you - he
 has never seen your Flora - nor Beck nor a late edition of Eaton.
 I believe he assisted Eaton some. I will carry him a part of your
 Flora. I know of no other person in this region who has even a smattering
 of Botany. Dr Mead says he finds many sea side plants on the
 salt licks here. I think he said he would be happy to aid you if
 in his power.


 17 May My letters have been returned upon me but another opportunity
 occurs & I now send them. I must content myself with
 Eaton this season but I hope to receive a package from N.Y. early in
 the fall. I feel the need of your flora more & more. I can scarcely be
 said to study this summer. I take an hour or half a day from my work
 analyze a few plants press them & pack them in a box for future leisure.
 I can do no more for I am constantly from home. Mr Merriam will I
 suppose answer a setter [letter?] sent with this the day he gets it. I shall
 wait a week after receiving his reply, for yours before answering
 his cannot [crossed out: his] your family make me out a letter in a week?


 Yours truly  I F Holton. 

        