Gilman.] OOU [Marclj (5, 



the sister institution, to bring you its felicitations and at 



the same time to solicit your interest in our approaching 

 commemoration. I know that it is intended to invite the 

 American Philosophical Society to send us a delegation. 

 But I find myself unable to leave home at present, and so 



shall have to forego this - pleasure. 



If I could have been present it would have been fitting 

 and [(leasing to me to address a few words to the Philosophi- 

 cal Society in commemoration of the distinguished Botan- 

 ists it has nurtured or fostered. A list which begins with the 

 name of John Bartram, the earliest indigenous botanist of 

 our country, and includes the names of Barton, Muhlcnburg, 

 Collins, Schweinitz and Nuttall, ought to suggest and inspire 

 some remarks which would not be inappropriate or uninter- 

 esting upon the occasion : although no doubt others will 

 better fill the place aud grace the occasion in which I shall 

 not be able to bear a part. 



With many thanks for your kind invitation and with my 

 best wishes for the perpetual prosperity of the American 

 Philosophical Society, I remain, yours very truly, 



ASA GRAY. 



3. The alliance of Universities and the learned So- 

 cieties, 

 Prest. D. C. Gilman, Johns Hopkins University, 



Baltimore, Md. 



" pie Weltgeschichtesucht aus sproedem Stoffen. 

 Ein reines Bild der Menschheit zu gestalten." — Hebbel. 



In response, President Gilman said : 

 Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Society: 



As a representative of the youngest of American uni- 

 versities, I am happy to greet the oldest of American acad- 



