Charles Bessey, Letters, 1881

University of Nebraska. Department of Natural Sciences.

Lincoln, Neb., [sic.] March 9 1881

Prof. C. E. Bessey My Dear Sir,

I have mislaid the address of the agent of Holt & Company—the firm that has published your work on Botany. I wish to introduce that work as a text book, and wish to get into communication with the agent in order to get, if possible introduction rates. I would be much obliged if you can send me his name and address in the enclosed card.

I have carefully examined your work and find it better adapted as a guide to the study of botany for one of my advanced classes than any work before the public.

I congratulate you on the preparation of a Botany which you have made more interesting than a novel.

Fraternally [Sam or Saint?] Aughey

Brown University

Providence, Nov' 13, 1881

My Dear Professor,

I ought long ago to have thanked you for the information you gave me about the microscopes. I have, of my own, a Chevalier and an Oberhauser - inherited from my father (the late Prof J. W. Bailey of West Point). Both are [?] [antiquated?] and much out of repair, I do [not?] exactly see my way to a new one at present, but greatly need it. I doubt, too, if I could make the college see that five or six at least, are required up there. From two to three hours a week is rather limited time any way for investigations which need patient and repeated observation. I greatly desire, however, to strengthen this side of my department.

It has always seemed to me that something like Huxley and Martin, giving laboratory directions, would be very useful, – some kind of schedule plan like one has in Morphology – so that one point at a time is considered and [buried?] out of the way.

Many thanks for your kind notice of my little book. I see that the Torrey Bulletin also speaks well of it. I was glad to see your suggestion about a pocket as a [need?].

Very truly yours –

W. Whitman Bailey

F. 12

Sent

Ames, Iowa, Jan. 11, 1881.

Professor S. F. Baird, Dear Sir,

May I beg the favor of a copy of the "Report of the U. S. Fish Commission" for 1878. By causing one to be sent you will greatly oblige.

Yours [?] C. E. Bessey

A. S. Welch, President.

C. E. Bessey, Professor of Botany.

Iowa Agricultural College. Ames, Jany 22 1881

Feb 7 1881

My dear Sir,

Find enclosed receipt for the copy of the most interesting and valuable Report of the U. S. Fish Commission Vol. VI.

I have a copy of Vol. I. May I not beg

the favor of Vols. II, III, IV, & V. If they cannot now be obtained from the Smithsonian Institution will you be kind enough to inform me when I can get them?

I notice on page XVI that it is the intention of the Commission to distribute "specimens of aquatic animals and plants