
          Prof J. Torrey.


 Ningbo May 18 '53 [1853]


 My dear Sir


 As I now neglected availing
 myself of the rivilege of addessing you, until
 this late day, I should perhaps introduce myself
 as a stranger, but as I once enjoyed your
 friendship I cannot conceive a new introduction
 necessary. My object in writing now
 is to ask you to offer my services to any
 Agricultural Horticultural, or other
 Society which would take an interest in 
 the introduction of plants from this
 side of the Pacific into the U. [United] States.
 I had an application from the Patent
 Office to the same effect long since, but
 as the small sum which was proffered
 for defraying necessary expenses was not sent
 I merely forwarded seeds. A Society
 would do better perhaps, & I am quite
 certain that many valuable & ornamental
 plants might in this manner be introduced
 into the Middle & Southern States
 from these latitudes. My services [illegible]
 cheerfully rendered, but the cost of boxes glazed
 & wired, & the expense of freight is more than
 I can afford to give to Science or to patriotism.
 the case of course with every missionary.


 I should be glad to hear how your dear

        