Charles Bessey, Letters, 1881

subjects relating to trees.

I am Very Truly John Robinson Asst.

[?] Prof. C. S. Sargent Brookline– Mass–

[7–[?].]

Tenth Census of the United States.

Tree Covering; Forest Wealth; the Lumbering Industry.

Chas. S. Sargent, Expert and Special Agt.

Department of the Interior, Census Office, Brookline, Mass., April 13, 1881.

Prof. C. E. Bessey Ames, Iowa.

Dear Sir

I find some difficulty with the information I have, in satisfactorily mapping out the forest area and forest distribution of the State of Iowa. Although what is called a prairie state it contains a large amount of forest. Not only are all the streams wooded, but I have noticed, in crossing the state at different points, quite large bodies of scattered timber, away from the streams.

I shall be very greatly obliged for your advice and assistance in preparing a map of this portion of the country, and if you will indicate, roughly, on a map of the state, what you know in regard to its forest area, shall thank you most sincerely.

Tenth Census of the United States.

2

In case you consent to favor me in this manner, a map of Iowa will be sent you from this Office, for the purpose.

An early reply will oblige me.

Yours very truly C. S. Sargent Special Agent

[7–[155?].]

Tenth Census of the United States.

Tree Covering; Forest Wealth; the Lumbering Industry.

Chas. S. Sargent, Expert and Special Agt.

Department of the Interior, Census Office, Brookline, Mass., August 19th, 1881.

My dear Professor Bessey.

Can you tell me any thing about this famous diamond [?] in regard to what some of my western correspondent seems to be more or less [mean?]? The foliage they send [?] belongs to S. Cordata, what I have always looked upon as a shrub rather than a tree. In Nebraska, however, they speak of this particular plant as a great sized tree. The red wood of which is as [?] and as valuable for fence posts as is Red Cedar. Can this be true? I should be glad to know for [?] [?] something [?] [?] [against?] to [?] [?]. Can you [?] me & so greatly oblige.

Yours faithfully, C. S. Sargent

[7–[155?].]

Tenth Census of the United States.

Tree Covering; Forest Wealth; the Lumbering Industry.

Chas. S. Sargent, Expert and Special Agt.

Department of the Interior, Census Office, Brookline, Mass., Oct. 18., 1881.

Professor C. E. Bessey, Ames, Iowa.

Dear Sir,

I am much obliged for the information contained in your letters of the 10th and 14th [?] and will write at once to [?] Wright and Whiting in regard to the Willow. You will add to the obligation wider which you have already placed me by sending me any further facts you may obtain in regard to this plant.

Yours very truly C. S. Sargent. Special Agent [?] Census.