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You say you make no claims to genius; very true; but you have what in my opinion should be prized far more, an entire set of strong natural powers, developed by early culture, disciplined by self-application, and inspired by the love of truth. Such a mind may begin where genius leaves, off, and I see no reason why you may not cope with Newton in his measurement of the spheres, or follow the heaven-led operations of Milton's mind; ascend the intellectual throne of Bacon, or handle the more weighty reasonings of Locke.

The pathway that meanders up the steeps of Parnassus is laid open, and he who kindles his aspirations with ambition's fire may scale its dizzy heights, where, with the key of science in his hand, he may unlock the mysteries of nature; decipher the symbols that hide the Chald's sublimer lore; may read the finger-marks of Him whose hand has spread the starry cope, and strown with gems the ocean cave. Nature, in converse with him will speak in her own familiar tongue. With the finger of philosophy he may grasp the "lightning's fiery wing," may rend asunder the air, impearl the briny wave, that since time's dawn has lashed the beachen shore. The decomposition of the granite rock of the everlasting hills shall be to him but the amusement of an hour. With La Place, he may feel all the tremblings of the waning moon; with Plato's ravished ears he may list the music of the chanting spheres, till his spirit plumes its pinions, and, with flight sublime, soars to Truth's occult abode. *****

P. S. I forgot to tell you that it is vacation, and in the absence of Miss M., Sibyl is playing matron in the most dignified and judicious manner; that is, the casks in the store-room are being freely relieved of their deposits, as, you know, she believes in a circulating medium tending to the general good.

Long Island Water-Cure, Sept. 12,1848.

MY GOOD FRIEND MR. D.: -- Your note came yesterday, and the parcel last evening. Mrs. Nott has returned. She read your letter, then gave me an account of her very pleasant interview. It is certainly gratifying to have persons so knowing and so good as Mr. D. and Mrs. N., so kindly interested in my poor behalf. But oh, how gladly would I relieve all my friends of farther anxiety. Yes, how gladly would I put forth my hand to meet my own wants. Sometimes this feeling does so possess me, that I am almost desirous of relieving the world of one so troublesome, but never more shall I be sufficient to myself. I am in the world, and cannot conveniently get out of it. go I am in the hands of God. He has placed me among my fellows, and veiled my eyes, perhaps as much to try them as me, for certainly, go where I will, I am always tasking some hand, and sharing the generous empathies of some heart.

I am certainly much more strong and healthful than when I came here. The nerves of my eyes are still very weak and irritable though their inflamed appearance is rapidly leaving them. Dr. --- asked me the other day how I would like to pass the winter here; I replied, "I should be most happy to do so, but that is quite impossible." He then asked if I could be as contented here as at the Institution; I told him "this was a world of delight compared with it, setting aside all considerations of health." He then remarked, "I think we must keep you here through the winter, we shall be less in number then, and more like a family." Now what idea the Dr. had of my staying here, is more than I can conceive; it does not seem possible that he thinks of extending his kindness so far, to one whom he knows so little. And surely he has no reason to expect a compensation, from any source which I can imagine; so, in all probability I shall leave here two weeks from Wednesday.

I have gathered many ideas of correct living which I value exceedingly; besides, I have made very many pleasing acquaintances, of whom I will tell you more by and by.

If my poor eyes were well, I would write a course of letters from here, and the many things I could say of Dr. ---'s establishment, might do a little to compensate him for the great kindness he has shown me. Not that I could add anything to the much that has been said, but you know sometimes the simple, unvarnished story of a patient, tells more in favor of the doctor than all of his long and well-written essays upon Materia Medica, Theory and Practice.

Indeed when I come home, I shall do little but preach cold water, and plain diet; for certainly Hydropathy has not a more thorough convert. All the ladies read your letter, and laughed much at that slip of your pen.

Mrs. Judge N---, of Ohio, is a patient here; she was delighted with your remarks on woman, and said they accorded precisely with her husband's views.

Then Mrs. B--- is really getting well! Thank God for so great a favor. We could not spare her. The world is very dark and lonely now, notwithstanding I have so many friends, so many loved ones. I have this morning unfortunately glanced a little beyond the coming two weeks, and consequently a shade of sadness covers my thoughts; but no matter, all will be well.