
          As to my poor self I feel that
the growing infirmities of age are rendering
me every year more and more unable 
to do even what little I once did towards
the humble labours of a collector
of plants. I suffer excessive prostration,
every summer from the excessive heat
of our climate; and am no longer able
“to climb the mountain's brow” as I 
once did. But I cannot give up entirely
a pursuit from which, in my
younger and better days, I derived so much
satisfaction; and I still collect whatever
falls in my way, and still endeavour
to add all in my power to my Herbarium.

Please to present my respectful compliments 
to Mrs. Torrey and your daughters, and 
believe me, my dear Sir,
Very truly yours 
C.W. Short
        