
          be encountered, would seem to deserve some share of
attention) I think little exception could be taken.
A constitution naturally robust has by no means lost
its former strength under the discipline, sometimes
severe, which it has long been accustomed to sustain.

As to mental and acquired qualifications, I would
say little, and perhaps little can be said. In
justice to myself, however, I would state that they
are founded upon a pretty close attention for 7 seasons
to plants principally of this country, during which
time I have found a collection of nearly 3,000
plants, mostly preserved by myself, with many duplicates
of some species. My fondness for the 
science was at first, as my friends would say, excessive,
and I find that increasing knowledge
but “alit flammam.” [light the flame?] My acquaintance with foreign
plants as I have before hinted is but limited, but
the examination of most part of about 200
species from Paris cultivated the last year in the
garden of Dr. Ives, has made me acquainted to
some extent with a few foreign genera. [crossed out: How far; insert: Whether]
        