FIRST ANNUAL BANQUET. 139 



ical science, and for humanity. Dr. Robert Brown, whose acquaintance 

 during his later years I enjoyed in my youth, was characterized by Baron 

 Humboldt as facile princeps botmiicorum, not so much for the volume of 

 work accomplished, as on account of the sagacity he displayed; and, In 

 lilie manner, Henry Shaw may well be styled the prince of botanical 

 patrons, not merely for the munificence of his gift, but because also of 

 the wisdom shown in its disposal. 



Permit me to express, what every true botanist must feel, my heart- 

 felt desire for the prosperity of your institution. 



I remain, dear sir, yours faithfully, 



George Lawson. 



Apalachicola, May 9, 1890. 



Sir: I am in receipt of your invitation to attend the annual banquet 

 given by the Trustees of the Missouri Botanical Garden in honor of 

 Henry Shaw, its Founder. 



To honor such a benefactor of his race is not a pleasure merely, but a 

 duty ; and I have an added inducement in the recollection of pleasant 

 personal relations many years ago. I wish it were possible to be with 

 you, but the infirmities incident to a life of more than fourscore years 

 are too great to allow me to undertake so long a journey, or to enjoy the 

 pleasures of the occasion, if present. 



Very respectfully, 



A. W. Chapman. 



Albion, Orleans County, New York, 24th May, 1890. 



My Bear Sir: Ill-health keeps me still wholly retired here in Western 

 New York. Were I able to travel, I should esteem it a pleasant privi- 

 lege to accept the invitation to their Annual Banquet, with which the 

 Trustees of the Missouri Botanical Garden have honored me. 



In consequence of my absence from Washington, this favor has only 

 now reached me. I trust, however, that my reply will prove seasonable 

 enough to duly convey my appreciation and plead my sincere regrets, as 



Yours truly & obliged 



Frank Hamilton Gushing. 



Laboratory of Cryptogamic Botany, ■» 

 CoRNKLL University, April 30, 1890. J 

 My Dear Sir: I regret very much, that my duties here will prevent 

 acceptance of the invitation extended by your Board, to the banquet 

 appointed for May 26th, 1890. 



The first great patron of botanical science in America indeed deserves 

 all the honor that can be shown his memory. 



Very truly, 



William Russell Dudley. 



