Charles Bessey, Letters, 1880

very glad you have given us the work. In plant life Botany is henceforth to achieve its greatest victories.

We were writing once about [?] [?]. Their [?] was the subject of my final paper just 40 years ago! But only this year have I discovered that the [?] follows [??]. The stamens just as likely to go down as up, or to the [?] as to the [calf?]. And those which go up now, may go down the next time!

I have noticed this [?] how many plants have their leaves sleep in the day under bright light, as in its absence. ——however if you come to Boston we will talk over these things.

Very sincerely [Nash?] [Mathew?]

P.S. Since writing the above, I have your letter and also [one?] from your publishers. I shall with pleasure write more at length when I have a little leisure. I [do?] have [?] six weeks in South Carolina and am hardly [????].

STATE AGRICULTURAL & MECHANICAL COLLEGE, AUBURN, - ALA.

ATHENS CA

AUG 13

3PM

Prof. C. E. Bessey. Ph.D

Ames Iowa

P.H. MELL, Jr., C. A. M. E., Ph.D.

State Agricultural and Mechanical College.

Department of Natural History and Geology

[Batheus] Georgia [A?], Ala. August 13th 1880

Prof. C. E. Bessey Ames Iowa Dear Sir: [Jr.] letter of the [?] has been [read] I have alas read a copy of your book from the publishers. It will give me great pleasure to examine the work[,] and I will gladly finish [you] my criticism.

[Yours] Very Truly P.H. Well Jr.

P. H. MELL, Jr. C. A. M. E., Ph D.

State Agricultural AND Mechanical College.

Department of Natural History and Geology

Auburn, Ala. October 12th 1880.

Dr. C. E. Bessey

Ames Iowa

Dear Sir:

Your letter of Aug. 7th has remained unanswered so long because I read it just on the even of [?] extended Geological trip. Since my return I have taken great pleasure in examining your work on Botany. [?] the [?] true that your letter reached me I read one from your publishers--I have replied to them as follows:

"The Author has performed a good work in giving to the public such an excellent book if it is first preceeded by an Elementary Course in Botany, I consider this work admirably adapted as are introduction to the Botanical Laboratory, and, therefore, Especially suitable for those students who propose to become practical Botanists. I have concluded to introduce this book in this institution provided the trustees open next year the Laboratory that I have suggested to there".

Accept my thanks for the Copy sent and rest assured that I wish you all success in the introduction of the work throughout the County.

Yours Very Truly,

P. H. Mell [?]