
          harder than I have done here. 
I have had hardly time to read the 
papers & keep the [sun?] of your harmonious 
democracy. As for botany 
work, I haven't done a stick. I 
must begin now however I shall not 
after this week have so much 
out of door work to look after. The 
grounds around the college have 
been laid out for my gratification 
& I have had to oversee a good 
part of it. The boys are rather 
surprised to see a New Yorker not 
afraid to put his hands with the 
earth. The students are required 
to work three hours daily. I think 
if you could see how well it operates 
here your [crossed out: pred?] objections to manual 
labor colleges would be removed. 
They take as much interest in the 
work as they do in their studies. 
They do whatever is required of them 
cheerfully & well. I had the best boy, 
one who is looked at by the rest as the 
leader, carting manure for me today. 
As I am "doctored" here I have to doctor 
in return. My practice is of the safest 
kind. One boy came yesterday with his 
troubles. Prescription. [figs? 1st?] to be taken 
pro re nata. Another who had 
been soaking the life out of him with 
wet sheets was prescribed dried ones & a tonic.
        