251
University of California, College of Agriculture, Berkeley, October 18, 1881.
Dear Professor Bessey,
In answer to yous of the 18th, I would say that just at present the question of a state entomologist is an abeyance, in consequence of the fact that there will be no session of of the legislature until fourteen months hence; for which great mercy we are devoutly thankful. I have no doubt that it will be a prominent question, however, when the new legislature does assemble – provided that body should even approximately represent the views of the farmers. For that time, then, Mr. Osborne may keep the matter in view, and I will keep him before the proper persons, if so desired.
It is quite likely that there will be a lively time about university matters at that session, and that there will be some sweeping measures proposed, albeit the constitution fortunately prohibits any direct interference except in seeing that the objects prescribed by law are fulfilled. Here comes in the old question about the intent of the Morrill Bill. It is difficult to foresee how it will be settled, but it is quite likely that a little more bona fide agriculture will be engrafted upon the Univ. in some way. In that case the pressure for the appointment of a working entomologist will be very strong.
Very truly yours E. W. [?]
252
Henry Holt & Co. Publishers.
12 East 23rd St., Madison Square, New York. March 17, 1881
Prof. C. E. Bessey, Dear Sir:
Yours of the 11th together with proof & copy is at hand. We shall set the printer to work again at once.
As requested, we send you a lot of the Am. Science Series Circulars by this mail. We have no regular appointed agent in the Northwest. Any bookseller in your locality, such as Mosely & Bro. of Madison, Wis., [sic.?] [sic.?] [Thordike Nourse?] of Detroit [&c?] will gladly supply our books.
Respectfully Yours Henry Holt & Co. [Vogelin?]
253
Henry Holt & Co. Publishers.
12 East 23d St. Madison Square, New York. March 17th 1881
Prof. C. E. Bessey Dear sir:
Prof. J. M. Mansfield of Ind. [Alny?] University says: "There is one drawback to the Botany which I hope the able Professor will introduce in his next Edit. that is a key such as Gray has and a plan[?] for analysis such as [?]. Both could be put in without enlarging the book very much. At present I do not know how to get over the [?] of the key." Are the above essential or very desirable?
Very truly yours Henry Holt & Co.
