161
to the impressiveness of the Bible story, – but there it is, to be regarded as you please."
It is said that nitrification takes place with extreme rapidity in [the?] arid regions of Arizona, the author meaning more particularly the chemical changes, – involving nitrification – in the soil, [relation?] to the water carried by [some?]. I suppose, of course, there could be no soil without more or less moisture.
If the conditions indicated are such in Arizona would they not be greater in the desert of Arabia, and, from an astronomical + geological view-point, greater, even there, several thousand years ago than now? I only make these suggestions, if they are worthy to be deemed such, as possibly being of some use in the study of the matter. I thought enough of the question to write the Dept. at Washington enquiring about, + enclosing the clipping. Be pleased to have your opinion and such further information as you may care to give.
Parrish, [Atty.?]
To Prof. Bessey, University ' Nebraska.
162
Davenport Iowa July 16th 1880
Prof C. E. Bessey
My Dear Sir.
Circumstances do not seem to favor our meeting. Though I have long wished I make your personal [illegible] I will not be practicable for me to attend the new meeting of Iowa State Horticulture society [illegible] Des Moines when I suppose you will be but Mr J. B. Putnam goes out with his matter and life to meet you there- Has any more even been made to [illegible] the office of State [illegible] State as in next of the adjourning states. Should not something be done in this direction?
You may have some [illegible] views [illegible] this matter. I will [illegible] state that many [illegible] Think That The best man for such a [illegible] is Mr Putnam himself he is going [illegible] and has shown me little ability as an [illegible] if placed in such a position he would [illegible] no efforts to file [illegible] credibility to himself or for the benefit of the State he has already an extension correspondence in the country and Europe and could [illegible] and any amount if testimonial [illegible] to his qualification and should [illegible] work. perhaps his greatest fault? would be so much [illegible]. [illegible] would [illegible] be a fault in [illegible] I beg to comment this
[1]
163
Subject to your attention and if [illegible] with your [illegible] or salaries to [illegible] it your efficient assistance.
I am now [illegible] with my too long neglected herbarium. There is a [illegible] of valule material which needs arrangement and [illegible]. I wish [illegible] practicable for you to seem a special appropriation for The College Herbarium and come on with me to [illegible] before it is scattered. I would like that this my adopted state should secure some of the results of my life long work and [illegible] enough to pay a resonable price for what [illegible] me later time and money. If you think well of this please write me the subejct and make such suggestions as you think best I am now contemplating a long western trip [illegible] season in company with [illegible] with the special view to study [illegible] in western [illegible] and [illegible] settle [illegible] is whether be E . at his advanced [illegible] now 7 can [illegible] the necessary fatigue but his service in this direction would be in valuable and special [illegible] at the present time. Hoping to hear from you at your convenience I am very truly yours
[illegible] C. Panny
[21-16 1880]
164
Davenport Iowa Feb 20th 1880
Prof C. E. Bessey
My Dear Sir
I am in reeipt of your late [illegible] in answer [illegible] mine. I have [illegible] even to Mr Putnam that [illegible] in reference to [illegible]. The [illegible] I take in the subject is that [illegible] a citizen of Iowa [illegible] That the state to which I belong shall be sufficiently alive to its own interest to [illegible] this important [illegible] of [illegible] science. I may have my personal preference but am ready to [illegible] them at anay time for the [illegible] good.
As to the botanical matter [illegible] I [illegible] understand your wishes and shall proceed at [illegible] to [illegible] equivalent of $50.00 [illegible] the section you [illegible] will [illegible] have [illegible] particularly [illegible] will [illegible] have them ready days so as to reach you some time next week. You can Then judge better what I shall be able to [illegible] you hereafter. I shall hope at least to make it [illegible] I think I sent [illegible] before a school Rocky [illegible] I do not include them in this parcel with will embrace a [illegible] From [illegible] Wyoming will write more fully in [illegible] the same Sincerely yours C. C. Panny
165
POSTAL CARD. Write the address on this side- the message on the other
Prof. C. E. Bessey Iowa [Apr.?] College Ames Iowa