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[Page 2]
As I have met with overtures before, this is only one among the rest. I certainly must need to say, that at the present your kind proffer would be very acceptable, but at the same time, it cannot give that satisfaction as the treading on a foreign shore would do. Concerning my affairs about London, none are of any consequence except Mr. Dickson's, the former I can get settled by an acquaintance; the debts that I contracted while I was at London, were chiefly in Manchester. By spending the summer in doing trifling matters at home, I have been very much lost in many circumstances, therefore whatever you have a mind to contribute to me will be very useful; but, nothing would please better than an acquatic microscope upon the same plan as Mr. Dickson's, for the want of such an instrument, many an observation that I have wished to make has escaped notice. Being in want of books and other matters, always put it out of my power to purchase the above useful instrument.
As trade is but in a low state, I cannot follow the pursuits as I formerly used to do, by which I am afraid I shall lose that practice that I am in at the present; for according to my own fancy, I never was in such before; this is owing to my Hortus Siccus and the leisure time that I have had this summer. I must confess, that I am more partial to British Botany than foreign, but notwithstanding this, it will be a difficult matter for to overcome the bias of the mind of going into a foreign port, if any likely opportunity offers. I used to think British Botany was well known, but now I find to the contrary. I imagine Mr. Curtis has got the best collection of British plants, but I can find many that he has not got, and likewise some that are not described. If I could have afforded this summer, I would have examined the peak of Derbyshire, and also the mountains of Craven, for these two places have been but little examined by Botanists, to what might have been expected. Few people