I was in hope to read something more form your pen in Mr. Conway’s “Dial,” but only recognized that fine pair of Walden twinlets. Of your two books, I perhaps prefer the “Week,”—but after all, “Walden” is but little less a favorite. In the former, I like especially those little snatches of poetry interspersed throughout. I would like to ask what progress you have made in a work some way connected with natural history,—I think it was on Botany,—which Mr. Emerson told me something about in a short interview I had with him two years ago at Poughkeepsie . . .

  If you should feel perfectly able at any time to drop me a few lines, I would like much to know what your state of health is, and if there is, as I cannot but hope, a prospect of your speedy recovery.