401
[illustration] Vision of the Golden Country.
Oakland, Cala. 1205 Granklin St. Feb. 26. 86.
Prof. C. E. Bessey, Our dear friend,
We must not accept the great favor of the "Naturalist" any longer.
It is impossible to get time to contribute to its excellent columns amidst the over-work and distractions of this winter, and so please drop my name from the subscribers list.
402
While the trip to the great Exposition enabled us to see much of the South and afterward of the East, with [sic.] [their?] interesting peoples and [?] yet it was disastrous to our [home?] matters.
Others have supplied plants to our usual customers, &c, but worse than all the times are so bad that [sic.] but few persons buy plants now-a-days.
I shall have to take up something else with this botany for a living, tho' my poor health almost forbids that idea.
The enthusiasm of ex[?] has restored me from a poor starved Andersonville prisoner to what little strength and [?] you have observed, but there is little [money?] in it at the best.
Aided by the R. R. Co. we have explored much and have been enabled to extend the boundaries of knowledge considerably as you know, and we still continue in the work, tho' it is a losing occupation.
This season we go into Central Arizona * explore the Apache infested [?] of [?] [?].
403
I hear with deep regret of the severe storms and cold in your region this winter.
Better come over here. Try to get a portion in Stanfords great University. [H?]e will need thorough scientists, like yourself, men who have a good knowledge of plants in general, and can look broadly over the field.
Of course he may be already provided for. I have no knowledge of his plants, whatever.
The sale of the ground where our herbarium is located necessitates a removal soon, and we do not know just where we re-locate.
Mrs. Lemmon & I remember with great pleasure the prized interviews we had with you at the fair, and also have read with great satisfaction your comments upon our botanical exhibit.
Did you go down this winter?
The best of our plants are there and no doubt, are all spoiled. Our sacrifices have been great, so great, but our satisfaction is equally great.
Mrs. L joins in warmest regards to you.
Truly yours J. G. Lemmon.
404
1205 Franklin St. Oakland, Cal. Ap 11, '86
Friend Bessey,
In a few days I will mail to you the choice selection of plants that have come to your [share?] as we have gone through the immense harvest of the two years ago in northern Arizona.
This last season, of course, we did no exploring being at the N. C. Ex. and [to?/the?] rest off, we spent the remainder of the season in the East.
The [sic.] plants that have fallen to your share are few in number — only a few over a hundred — but I trust they will be no less welcome to your herbarium. This must make you feel encourages since the fire, and tornado losses.
405
U. S. Pacific Coast Flora, Ex Lemmon Herb.
No.
[Petals stamen?], [?], Gray, [Kingsman?] & Peach spring. N. Ariz.
Legit J. G. Lemmon and wife, May & June, 1886. Oakland, California.
We start again on our visual exploration of Ariz. in a few days, at first in a sparsely occupied section of S. Cal, then on to Central Arizona.
I wish the package for you contained more of our new things but the misfortune is that often the new thing is also very scarce. Of some we had only a single duplicate. but others will supply them no doubt, soon.
For this small favor, you have kindly sent us the "Naturalist" all this time. I pray you [answer?] please accept our thanks and stop the paper!
I do not like to receive what I cannot pay for.
Mrs Lemmon is busy painting "Wild flowers of Cal," but stops long enough to chat pleasantly of you and to send message of warm regards—with mine—to you.
Hurriedly, Yours, J. G. Lemmon.