Charles Bessey, Letters, 1891

Ashland, Nebr. June 24 '91 Prof C E Bessey, Lincoln, Nebr. Dear sir, [ ] big leaf to ask a few questions. About how many different kinds of native trees are found in Cass Co. (Nebr.)? I noticed in the Premium list of State Fair a Prem. offered on collection of Native grasses. About how many was in the collections last year? Please give me a word of instructions as to how to prepare them? How much in each specimen? Is the fruit required? Are the roots wanted? Should the grass be pressed? etc. Any information would be gladly received.

2 I enclose a few grains of Corn with the "dry mould". What is the name of it? Is it a fungi? Any information would be gladly received. I introduce myself as one of T. P. Williams Botany class at Ashland fall of '90.

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University of the State of New York Dictated in reply to yours of New York State Museum

ESTABLISHED 1843 State Hall Albany Sept. 17th 1891 Dear Prof. Bessey: The specimens you send are clearly enough, as you say, [Peridarmium conorum Thum]. I have looked through my Western fungi for the P. Engelminni and to my surprise and mortification I fail to find it and can only explain by supposing I must have unwittingly sent it all to Thumen. Judging from his description it must be unlike his P. Conorum but I have no specimens to show it. Very truly Yours Chas H. Peck.

Culbertson Neb Sept 26, 91 Charles E. Bessy [E] Dr Sir I enclose the leaves & stem of a plant for your inspection please give name & habits of same is it injurious to stock that eat it please describe its effect on horses do you Know of anything that would act as an antidote for horses that have eaten it will you give me all particulars you can possibly either printed or written relating to the treatment of horses that have eaten this or some poisonous plant growing on the buffalo grass prairie & oblige yours Respectly P H Perkins Culbertson nebraska