the moneys appropriated for the investigation
of the fungus diseases of plants, is distinct
from that appropriated for the use
of the "botanist."
Less than two years ago I came here at a salary of
$1200, and had a desk in the room with the
botanist. I now have two commodious rooms
at my command, one for office and one
that I am fitting up for a laboratory, and
have four clerks working under my direction.
The Botanist voluntarily asked to be relieved
of all responsibility of the "Mycological Section",
and when the Commissioner asked for the
estimates for the Division for 1887-8, the
Botanist inserted nothing for the mycological
work. The Commissioner called on me, then, to put
in an estimate of what I [sic.] needed for
carrying on my work, with the result that
COngress granted my $9400. This was just $4000
less than the sum asked. All this is
"sub [?]", for your private ear. I feel
that some progress has been made, and shall
push the work forward to the best of my
ability.
Yours very truly,
F. Lawson Scribner.
[sideways note:]
Is F[?] d[?] a common fungus with you?
