Charles Bessey, Letters, 1881

C. H. Ward M. W. Ward

C. H. Ward & Co. Wholesale Druggists No. 313 Court Avenue [?] [?] [?], Des Moines, Ia.

Des Moines, Iowa Aug 18 1881

Prof. C. [S?]. Bessey Dr. Sir

Manufactureres ask us to maintain the following prices on London Purple.

10¢ lb by Bbl. 12¢ by keg, 15¢ lb for [?]

We do not know of any one who is cutting on these prices. They are certainly low enough. We have sold a good deal this year, and have had no complaints.

Yours Truly C. H. Ward & Co.

A man was in to day, who said you used a good deal of it, and did not know we [were agents?] for it, or that we had it to sell hence the above. We respectfully solicit your [aides?].

[?] May 22 1881[?]

Prof. Bessey my dear Sir

I have sent by express [?] 2 & 3 of my [?] & some reprints, for your acceptance.

Will you kindly look out for the storm lake charas for me this summer & engage some one to gather the [inconexa?] for me in large quantity? at my expense! – otherwise I should have to go all the way out there myself next year!

Yrs – [T?] [?]

Notice.

The publication by Mr. Cassino of "Characeae Americanae," and of "The Characeae of America" has been suspended; and, in their place, descriptions and illustrations of new species and their related forms will be undertaken. The plates will be prepared in such a manner, and of such a size, that they may be used to illustrate a complete work on "The American Characeae," which will be prepared and issued after a careful examination of our waters shall have been made, and a knowledge of our species obtained.

In order to excite an interest in these obscure plants, and to assist in their identification, "Exsiccatae" are being issued. Sets of these are not for sale, but may be obtained by the contribution of specimens to it. Any one desiring a set may contribute about 100 specimens of a desired species or variety. The more delicate species should be floated (like Algae) on white paper; the coarser forms may be pressed like ordinary plants; but, if very brittle, they should be glued down. Three Fasciculi have been issued already, comprising the following species and varieties:

Fasciculus I. — Nitella tenuissima, Desv. (forma brevifolia); N. intermedia, Ndst., n. sp.; N. megacarpa, Allen, n. sp.; Chara intermedia, A. Br. (forma tenuior elongata); A. Br., var. Americana, A. Br.; Ch. contraria, A. Br. (forma brachyphylla, humilior); Ch. sejuncta, A. Br. (forma elongata); Ch. coronala, Ziz., var. Schweinilzii, A. Br.; Ch. gymnopus, A. Br., var. Michauxii A. Br.; Ch. Hydropilys, Ndst., in litt.

Fasciculus II. — Chara coronala, Ziz. (forma microcarpa microptila verticillata) var. gracilis, Allen; Ch. coronata, Ziz. (forma meiocarpa meioptila, partim verticillata); Ch. coronala, Ziz. (forma macrocarpa, meioptila, verticillata); Ch. coronata, Ziz. (forma macrocarpa, marcoptila, verticillata, zonulare incrustata); Ch. excelsa, Allen; Ch. evoluta, Allen; Ch. foetida, A. Br. (forma brachyphylla, clausa, elongata, macroteles); Ch. foetida, A. Br. (forma incrustata laxior); Ch. contraria, A. Br.; Ch. fragilis (forma tenuifolia, microptila, munda, humilior.

Fasciculus III. — Chara fragilis (forma microptila incrustata, laxior); Ch. delicatula, Ag.; Ch. gymnopus, var. elegans, A. Br.; Ch. gymnopus, var. Humbokltii, A. Br. (forma stolonifera!); Ch. sejuncta, A. Br. (forma condensata, robustior); Ch. aspera, Willd.; Ch. aspera, Willd., var. Macounii, Allen; Nitella flexiiis, Ag.; N. flexilis, Ag. (forma longifolia, elongata); N. flexilis, Ag., var. subcapitata, A. Br.

Correspondence invited.

T. F. Allen, M. D., 10 East 36th St., New York City.