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Washington, D. C., March 31, 1888.
Dear Sir:
The Biological Society of Wash ington, invites the members of the other Sci entific Societies of the city, together with their friends, to attend a Memorial meeting in honor of
Dr. ASA GRAY,
on Thursday evening, April 5th, at eight o'clock in the lecture-room of the Columbian University, at the southeast corner of H and Fifteenth streets.
EXERCISES,
Prof. S. P. Langley, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, will preside.
Prof. J. W. Chickering, Jr.- Dr. Gray and his Life-work.
Dr. George Vasey.- Dr. Gray's Botanical Works, and their Influence on Botani cal science.
Prof. L. F. Ward,- Dr. Gray and Darwinism.
Dr. C. V. Riley.- Personal Reminiscences of Dr. Gray.
GEORGE VASEY, F.H. KNOWLTON, A. A. CROZIER, Committee
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In sending specimens of plants for investigation it is desirable to have the leaves, flowers, and fruit; and, in the case of bulbous plants, the bulbs also. When they are sent from a distance it is best to prepare the specimens by drying them under pressure between folds of absorbent paper, otherwise the parts shrink and break so as to be hardly recognizable. When the dried plants are sent they should be protected from breakage in the mail by being inclosed between pieces of stiff [pasteboard]. Packages weighing less than four pounds can be sent by mail at the rate of one cent per ounce. Write the name of the sender on the outside. In the letter accompanying the specimens state where collected, the date, and any other particulars of the plant whether reputed poisonious, pestiferous, medicinal, or useful.
U. S. Department of Agriculture,
DIVISION OF BOTANY,
Washington, D. C. April, 2 1888.
Prof. Chas. Bessey,
Lincoln, Nebraska
Dear Mr. Bessey,
Would it be possible for you to come here and be a co-worker with Dr. Vasey in the National Herbarium?
We need such aid as you could give us very much indeed.
I remarked to Dr. Vasey yesterday that "I wished you were here to help us." Dr. Vasey said, "Yes, I do too. I cannot be here long and I know of no one that I should so much like to leave this work with as with Prof. Bessey."
I hope that you can see your way clear to come to this Science [word]. If it is possible for you to come the first of July we will all concentrate our energies upon getting for you the highest appropriation possible.
Yours Truly Carrie Harrison.
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AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, AMES, IOWA.
Department of Botany, April 18th, 1888
My Dear Dr. Bessey:
Your letter of the 16h is received. Yes this place seems to be noted for doing things in an odd way. The Station is to be destinct and three new men have been secured to do this "science" [voz] [Crozier] the Botany Patrick-Chemistry & Gillette the Entomology. We poor professors Bennett Osborn and the undersigned are to attend to their own business and not muddle with the Station. I am of course sorry that the distinct policy has been adopted. I had hoped that we who are already here could have something to say and do. It was my idea to have assistants and try and do
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some solid experimental work but am now worse off than if that was no station - as far as I can see at present. It is very likely that my bulletin now in press will be the last one The Station will do the publishing!
I was all uncertainty as to future work until the matter was decided as it is now and at present I am planing a scheme of work upon my own hook which of course must be indoor and largely with the [microscope]. It is in short a study of the stamen I will send you some blanks when they are printed. If possible I am going to know about stamens this year and if anything good comes will let you know. Today for example I have been digging into the stamens stigma pollen etc. of Dicentra Cucullata It interests me- and I am striving to forget the station. My sympathy goes out for Crozier. He comes early in May Speer says he (Crozir) is "not to bother me". I shall do all I can for him - for his comfort but am shut off by the distinct policy from working openly with him. Wife & children still in Passaic and I am lonely and cross.
Kind Regards to you all, Sincerly yours B. D. Halsted
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AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. AMES, IOWA.
Department of Botany,
April 26th, 1888
My Dear Dr. Bessey,
Your kind favor from the 24th is this hour received. I am much obliged to you for remembering me. The College will gladly take the specimens, all you have at the rate (3 cents per species) named. Send then when convenient and in the way which best.
Tomorrow I start for Chicago to meet my family. I have had a long and lonesome sort of a spring here all by myself. I hope you are all well We should like to have you all make us a visit at your earliest convenience.
Yours very truly,
B. D. Halsted