
          If we had not disregarded his instructions 
this spring we should not have had 
ten students. Under all these disagreeable 
circumstances you cannot wonder
that I desire to get away from here 
as soon as possible. I [soiled?] myself 
from civilization in the [crossed out: of] hope of 
a sure though moderate pay & thinking 
that I might find compensation 
in this & profit in a fair share of leisure.
Neither of these hopes are realized. I 
have no time to myself for in the 
poverty of means & paucity of teachers 
we all go out of our departments & I 
dont think I ever worked so hard in 
my life. Teaching is pleasant but too 
much is drudgery. If you see any 
chance where a moderate living can 
be had within civilization or completely 
out of it I wish you would let me know. 
Buchanan has written to me to ask 
why I dont apply for a situation in 
the new Botanic Garden. I see that your 
friend Mr. Stuart is one of the names 
mentioned in connection with it & 
you probably can learn of their plans. 
I am willing to work or travel. I suppose 
however that an American will stand a poor 
chance beside a French or German botanist. 
Have just received Chapman's book from 
Gray. It looks very nicely. It is very 
pleasant to get a glimpse of something 
from the East.

Ever truly yours 
George Thurber
        