474 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. 



erected for their reception by Mr. Thayer. I have regarded them 

 as belonging to the University from the beginning of the present 

 year ; but I wish more formally to make them over to the Presi- 

 dent and Fellows, as the foundation of the Harvard University 

 Herbarium. 



" The Herbarium is estimated to contain at least 200,000 spe- 

 cimens, and is constantly increasing. From the very large num- 

 ber of typical specimens it comprises, its safe preservation is very 

 important. 



" The Library, from the rough catalogue which has been made 

 out, contains about 2200 botanical works — perhaps 1600 volumes, 

 and nearly as many separate memoirs, tracts, &c. 



" The current expenses of the establishment for the first half of 

 the year now drawing to a close have been defrayed by Dr. Jacob 

 Bigelow, who placed in my hands a special donation of two hun- 

 dred dollars for this purpose. 



" I had stated that the income of a capital sum of $10,000 

 would be required to defray the current expenses of the Herba- 

 rium, i. e., for the purchase of certain collections and books not ob- 

 tainable by exchange, for freights and charges, paper, alcohol, 

 fuel, &c. I am informed that this sum, which Mr. George B. 

 Emerson undertook to raise by subscription, is substantially 

 secured. It is desirable, but probably not at this time practicable, 

 that this endowment should be so far extended as to provide for 

 the services of a Curator, so that I could myself devote valuable 

 time to the prosecution of important botanical works for which I 

 am prepared, and to which I am pledged. 



11 1 have the honor to be, with great respect, very truly yours, 



Asa Gray." 



Published, Montreal, Feb. 19, 1866. 



