656
The subject however of our grasses is so important to our state that I will very gladly do anything in my power to aid you. To be met however with an objection of "want of authority" is always a serious obstacle and if well founded, it is, I fear, too late to obtain the authority. I will at once confer with the Public Printer and see what can be done, assuring you of my earnest desire to accomplish the result aimed at, if it be possible.
Very Truly Yours Chas F. Manderson
657
Published by the O. Judd Co., David W. Judd, Pres't. C. Burnham, Sec. Publishers and Importers of all Works Pertaining To Rural Life.
Send for our illustrated catalogue.
American Agriculturist, 751 Broadway.
Subscription Price, $1.50 a Year: Single Numbers, 15 Cents.
New York, April 18 1887
Prof C E Bessey Dear Sir
I came to this office from Chicago three weeks ago, and found in type your admirable article on Western Weeds. It reminded me of a matter upon which I thought, of writing to you while I was on the Prairie Farmer, where I have been for the past three years. During the summer of 1884 I received in a box from Buffalo N. Y. a specimen of S[?] rostratum, which was found growing in the [suburbs] environs of the city. [carried] The seeds having in my opinion been
658
carried there in the litter of cattle cars. I afterwards found it growing profusely near Chicago and in other parts of Illinois and still worse in Iowa as well as other localities farther east. It seems to be rapidly [sic.] spreading eastward, its progress being hastened by railroads. Is it not likely to become a very troublesome weed throughout the Northern States. I believe it is not described in Gray's Manual of cis-[?] plants.
Yours very truly Geo. A. Martin
659
John Michels, Editor of "Health," 200 East 27th St., N. Y
Febuary 26th / 87
Dear Sir, If you can give me the name of the plant of which the enclosed seed case belongs I will be under many obligations, and also in what book I can find something about it. —
Please return the specimen.
Yours Truly, John [D?] M[?] [?] of "[?]."
Prof. Charles E. Bessey
Platyspermium [scapigerum?]
