
          in the Florida venture. Although Dr. Cattell is absent,
so that he cannot be consulted, I will make myself
responsible for $50, &, if the money is needed immediately,
will send on a check for that amount.
Did you know that [Canby?] had gone to Florida early
in the month with the intention of [herborizing?] there
during the spring & early summer? What portion of the 
State is to be the field of his operations I did not 
learn.
About two years ago, on the recommendation of 
Mr. Chas. E Smith of Philadelphia, a youg botanist
of that city, named [Saurman?], was appointed by Dr.
Chapman as his assistant, with the understanding that 
his leisure would be devoted to collecting in the 
neighborhood of Appalachiocola. He has been remarkably
uncommunicative, sending neither report nor plants to
these who befriended him, but I have heard incidentally
that he expects to return north in the Spring with a 
large colleciton, &, as it was made under the supervision
of Chapman, it will no doubt contain many desirable
species.
In the parcel of rarer plants from Dr. [?] range
there are several which I forgot to include, among them
a fine fruiting specimen of Potamogeton obtusifolium, [?]
These & some of my btanical puzzles I will take
occasion ot send you at an early day.
Very respectfully & truly yours,
Thos. C. Porter
        