
          arrive for the elaboration of this order, my knowledge of the generally diffused forms
prove sufficiently extensive + accurate, and by a comparison of specimens from American
Lichenists my doubtful plants be somewhat reduced in number - it will be the highest
satisfaction to me to make a thorough synopsis or other elaboration of the whole. To this
end I should immediately procure + study the recent arrangements by Eschweiler, 
Walroth + others + particularly I should obtain the various works of Hoffmann, to whom I
am persuaded some reference in yet to be made. Hooker's view of the Br. sp. in this Br. 
Fl. is of course a model of elegance, but it seems to me he has unwisely neglected the
modern systems of Walroth & as he says (Pref.) he has, - + has left some things where he
found them, which rest only on the dictum of Acharius, among so many systems for beside

John Torrey M.D. [?]
University of New York
New York City

these there is Wahlenberg's, (invaluable) Sprengel's, De Candolle's, + L.'s by no means last;
as his sections represent modern genera [added: it is difficult to choose.]. May I ask how long a period may probably elapse
before this distant part of your Flora is reached? Before visiting the Philada Herbaria I
would call and obtain your directions + suggestions. But I am uncertain whether this should
be the work of next year or the year after. I expect a large coll. of the N. Caro. Mts. Lichens
by the kindness of Mr. Curtis. Maine must be thoroughly explored. And I am but an inexperienced 
hand. Excuse the many questions: which I fear you will think hasty. But however contingent the possibil-
ity of a design like this will influence all my present movements. I am dear sir most respectfully yours Ed. Tuckerman [?]
        