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[Mr Fish?] has had very good health since coming back North, rather better I think that at the South. Tell Mrs B. we had the pleasure of Mr Cushing's company to tea recently. He is traveling in the insurance business.
I was sorry not to see you when in the state last fall. We hope you will try to at least give us a call next time. We are only a little [bit?] of your way now if you go by MIch. Central.
I think my wife would be much pleased if your wife would giver her some bits of news from your family, and she would probably get more news in return than I can think of.
My work takes me away from home so much that I dont know much about these myself.
Please send me a catalogue of your institution that I may know about the [?]ing of your [time?/term?] and any items you can give that will aid me in making my plans will be thankfully received.
Please remember me kindly to Mrs B. and family, and with the hope that I may have a speedy and favorable reply
I am Very Truly Your friend R. Haigh Jr.
[enclosed note:] From Prof. A. J. Cooke, of the State Agricultural College, editor of "The Manual of the A[?]
"Knowing the author's earnest and thorough methods of work [?] exceptional advantages, I expected his "Hand Book of the Law" would be a valuable wor[k?] [?] which every [?] would need and desire. I have given it a careful [?] and I find [?] mistaken. I have found that it would have rendered me valuable service had I p[?] [?] past, and I [add note?] that it will be a [?] valuable edition to my library. So far as I can see [?] has touched upon all the legal questions which concern farmers, and in the [appealed?] [?] he has added that which will be much prized."
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Private
Minneapolis, Feb. 22d, '86
My dear Professor,
I should have written to you some time ago had I been in possession of anything, even in [?], worth the writing.
The hope for the future which I have expressed to you once or twice already, I believe to be near [sic.] a consummation. I feel reasonably sure that within many months our boar of regents will select a professor of botany to [develop?] the work of the institution in that department. If you still feel as you expressed yourself one year or so ago I shall be glad to present your name to the board for the candid consideration
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The understanding on my part was that I should recommend that the botanical survey of the State be placed in your hands; the work in botany only to be imposed upon you so far as the work of institutions goes; a set of laboratories well equipped shall be furnished in the new building soon to go up; library facilities be given so far as the funds of their institution shall permit. The salary as I stated which can probably be paid will be somewhere newar $2500 & of course all field expenses will be paid.
On the other hand: In the first place I am not sure the board of regents will ask my advice in the matter and if they ask it they may follow that of some one else in the decision of the question who
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2
shall it be? But I am [?] and feel that some of the board at least feel very kindly towards you.
I want you to come to Minneapolis and see the President and as many of the board & faculty as you can and keep quiet about it. I ask that you come because I feel that the President must see and talk with whoever shall be called to the professorship.
Can you not come within a few weeks to this state? I do not know how your vacations are arranged or whether you can get off at any time you choose. Professor Porter is to hold a series of f[?] institutes in the state — could you come & lecture on Botany at an institution or two?
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Another thing I want to say: we are about making some changes in our course of study and I sh'd like your opinion touching the arrangement of the work in botany.
Our course is now as follows:
Classical F[?], Spring t. 1 term
Scientific Subf[?] Spring t. F[?] " " 2 terms
Modern F[?] Spring 1 term
We must have more botany as soon as we get a name to take care of it; and where & what shall it be? As to "where", our [sic.] courses below Junior year are about as full as they can be: as to "what" under the present circumstances it seems as if it would have to belective in Junior or Senior year.