
          I had read in the papers, the splendid project of Scientific  survey
of N. Yk [New York] & $25,000 applied yearly for 4 years.  but yr [your] notice gives
me some explanations.  Where will they find the 8 able geologists etc.
unless they appoint improper or unskilled men with friends to back them?
I had once the thought of applying as a Candidate, as it happens that
I am both a geologist, botanist, zoologist & draughtsman!  But I
have no influential friends in Albany, & would hardly know how
to go about it.  Is it Botany or Analyzing chemistry you waould
prefer?  You speak not of Chemistry nor Mineralogisty yet they will be
wanted , to analyze if not in the field.  Are Eaton & Featherstonough
the 2 great Rivals thought of?  Could you mention my name as one
suitable, who has cultivated those branches since 1802 in America.
I would like well to survey for 4 years the Mountains of New York
with you or other proper men.  But I will not leave my business and
labor for 4 years unless I am properly thought of.  8 Geologists could
divide the state in many sections, the most difficult [added:parts] would be my
choice.  The Saranac mts at the head of the Hudson I have wished to explore
for many years.  Write me if it is practicable for me to apply & inform
me of what you know.  You know that Geology & Ozyctography is 
now one of my favorite pursuits, and I have begun to study the fossil
Botany of N. Amer in view of our fossil Flora.

I wish you had sent me some of your plants from Mts. of North Carolina.
You say you have the plants of Key West.  Can you spare some, or send me a
complete list of those you have?  Pray how did the Empetrum conradii
escape so many botanists?  Why conradii ? did Conrad first collect it ?
When does it blossom ?

My Adventina you may make out if you can from my Description
which is correct.  You could not see the characters in the dry plant.  the flowers
are too small, the habit alone can be seen well.  It was spread with
garden seeds, & grew wild.  it is either new or has been put in a wrong genus
as so many other plants.

Send me Cyperacea & other pamphlets when done.  Will you
ask the Lyceum of N H [natural history] to exchange with me their journal, complete
series for my American Nation & other works?

Can you procure me Hookes Companion & Bentham's Labiata
if not to costly or in Exchange

How came Cinna to be Arundo, Calamagrostis  & new Muhlenbergia
What successive blunders!  Cinna is Cinna! & whoever denies that the
number of stamina is essential in grasses, denies that Ozyzca & Bambusa
are genera etc.  Vilfa of Adanson is not adopted?  Why? & why not
all his genera just as good or better?  because snails will crawl in Botnay
as in every Science.  As usual your old friend,

C.S. Rafinesque

Is it not Tovara (Polyg. virgina) of Adanson
10 times better than Vilfa ? in striking chance... ?
        