21
Brooklyn [?] 3, 85.
Prof. Bessey, Dear Sir:
The order for the Algae was duly received for which I thank you. I am sorry the first order was lost, [hence?/however?], it makes no difference to me.
I have packed the Algae so that I think is will go without injury and expect it will go to morrow or next day by U. S. Express.
You will find the Catalogue in my father's hand-writing and I am glad to send his specimens to one who will
23
Brooklyn [Dec.?] 1. 85
Prof. Bessey,
Yrs of [?] 27 just received. I am relieved to know the box reached you safely and that it pleased you. Sorry to [lose?] your letter as you partially expressed [?] about the plants in that. I have another set similar to the one I sent you that I shall try to dispose of to some college in the [?]. Should you [?] happen to know of such a need you can direct them
25
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening,
Agricultural College, Mich., Nov. 6 1885
My Dear Dr. Bessey:
Thanks for your pleasant note of the 2nd [inst?]. I am glad to know that you endorse the scientific aspect of the book I outlined to you. That was what I especially desired. I have been aware all along of the possibility of something of a conflict between such a work and the Manual. However, I do not think that they would conflict. It has been my purpose all along to lay my plans before Dr. Gray before going on with them.
But I could not propose such a book in a day or a year, and I should never put it before the public so long as it would interfere with Dr. Gray. If I go at it, it shall be with no present thought of a publisher. It ought to have a sale nearly as large as the Manual, although I should do the work pro bono publico. If I undersand the plan of the fourth volume of Gray's Series, this would not interfere with it in the least.
Thanks for your report.
We start for Cambridge in two weeks.
Yours &c L. H. Bailey, Jr.