16
to Colleges and academics and scientific societies". I trust that when you reach this stage of the work you will remember the Iowa Agricultural College. I especially desire to see in its Herbarium the "aquatic plants" collected by the Commission
Very truly C. E. Bessey
To Professor Spence F. Baird Washington D. C.
17
Agricultural College,
Lansing, Mich., Dec 23 187 81
My Dear Bessey,
I hope you have forgotten by this time that you ever had a lame back. You had one when you wrote me the last long letter. Agriculture is on the rapid ascent and it is bound to go up higher. It will soon be considered respectable by the professions. Our agricul. schools are making themselves felt in many ways. You and I can see it in the management of some of agrl. papers – the writers – in societies etc.etc. There is much science – good science – attractive science which promises good results and yet it is near agriculture. Had we better meet in Montreal? I prefer it. It may seem to be a
18
given place for our National Society to meet. I hope you will write to some or all of our members to be sure to go & write something. The A. A. A. S. [sic.] is and always will be run by a ring, so long as the present constitution and by-laws exist. It will be likely to get into ruts. The writer of a paper can usually read his paper in the section where he choses. [?] Biology need not encroach on microscopy. If I were to read a paper on the streaming motion of protoplasm in cells – or stomata, I should request to read it in Biology, of course. Your tissues of [monocolotedons?], if you request it, can go into Biol. I think.
I very much question whether I go to Iowa next year. I cannot attend to every thing. The assocation of college Profs. is very good, but ours will take the place of it, so far as
19
2
Agricultural College, Lansing, Mich., 187
acquaintance is concerned. The Iowa meeting comes in our term time. it is yet too soon to decide about Iowa. I want to go west once.
I am lopping off some society work. I have been lecturer of a grange for 3 years, off now. Master of Co. Grange 3 years – soon to be off. In connection, attend state grange 1 week a year. This helps our College. Co. Horticul. Soc. - I am pres meet monthly. I shall get out when we get a Prof. of Horticul. I am Sec. Am. [?] Soc. The report will soon be done for 1881. More next year. Too many societies for continued scientific work. Bot. & Horticul. will likely soon be divided here. I prefer Botany. Would it be going down to take Horticul. if urged to do so?
