Untitled - The Alfred Russel Wallace Website

352 NOTES OF A BOTANIST CHAP.
perished, my death would have been praiseworthy,
and my friends could not have been dissatisfied
with me. Have the goodness to salute Mr. Han-
bury for me, and to explain to him all the obstacles
that have opposed the execution of his commission.
If he is not satisfied that I have done my best, I must
there is no other alternative.
What a pleasure it has been for me to learn
something of your actual position, and it has been
the same for my family, who charge me to embrace
return him the ^5
you with a thousand tender caresses ; for they say
the lapse of time only makes them remember you
and regret your absence the more. For me, what
shall I say ? I preserve in my heart the image of
Sefior Ricardo, but this my joy is troubled by the
hopelessness of ever seeing him again. What
at Ambato
happiness it would be for us to have you
just now, in the most agreeable season of the year.
The time of ripe pears and peaches is near ; our
friend Mantilla, with his accustomed kindness, is
waiting for us to go and eat them. Miraflores is
now planted with poplars all along the avenue where
we used to walk. Tamatamas l
are ready for our
innocent games. Isobel is at the gate waiting for
you. Frank and I are ready to accompany our
dear friend. But sweet dream delusive hopes
where is he ?
Adieu, my beloved friend, adieu !
Thus
your
sincere friends bid you farewell !
MANUEL SANTANDER.
[In sending this translation to Mr. Hanbury,
Spruce writes: "You will read abbut the disasters
1
Sticky fruits with which children pelt each other.