^T. 46.] TO R. W. CHURCH. 429 



America, indicate some peculiar relation, and are 

 most noteworthy, but I do not see why it points to 

 connection. 



I am very glad you are turning your good, logical 

 mind and immense knowledge to this class of topics ; 

 but do not let it run off with too much of your valua- 

 ble time. I take far more satisfaction in discussing 

 questions of botanical affinity ; and long to get back 

 to that sort of work. Just now, I must needs be ab- 

 sorbed in elementary work and teaching, but look to 

 see an end of this. 



I have been watching the development of the ovules 

 of Magnolia ; nothing can be more normal than they 

 are, in the early stages. 



When Wright comes home from Cuba I expect to 

 get hold of his considerable north Japan collection, 

 which I expect to find very interesting on questions 

 of distribution, the very questions you ask me to con- 

 sider. 



I doubt if our " mountain backbone " actually stops 

 any species, itself, from advancing east or west. 



I wish you would compare our White Birch with 

 the European B. alba, and let me know the result. 

 Also the Chestnuts. ... 



TO B. W. CHURCH. 



CAMBRIDGE, May 15, 1857. 



An acquaintance en route for Scotland has offered 

 to take some small parcels for me. 



Among them is one I have taken the liberty to 

 address to you, a copy of a very elementary book 1 I 

 have prepared as an introduction ;to my favorite 

 science, finding there was no one in use here which I 



1 First Lessons. 



