778 FINAL JOURNEYS AND WORK. [1885, 



gratulations and expressions of esteem and affection, 

 which welcomed my seventy-fifth birthday, I can do 

 no more than render to each and all my heartiest 

 thanks. Among fellow-botanists, more pleasantly 

 connected than in any other pursuit by mutual giving 

 and receiving, some recognition of a rather uncommon 

 anniversary might naturally be expected. But this 

 full flow of benediction, from the whole length and 

 breadth of the land whose flora is a common study 

 and a common delight, was as unexpected as it is 

 touching and memorable. Equally so is the exquisite 

 vase which accompanied the messages of congratula- 

 tion and is to commemorate them, and upon which 

 not a few of the flowers associated with my name or 

 with my special studies are so deftly wrought by art, 

 that of them one may almost say, " The art itself is 

 nature." 



The gift is gratefully received, and it will preserve 

 the memory to those who come after us of a day made 

 by you, dear brethren and sisters, a very happy one to 

 Yours affectionately, ASA GRAY. 



TO s. M. j. 



November 19, 1885. 



We meant our day to have been most quiet, and I 

 completely and J. largely were taken by surprise. So 

 we had to send for two or three neighbors, especially 

 to see the vase. 



J. will bring it in to you, no doubt, for she is very 

 proud of it. The lines I have already written have 

 taken all the strength out of my right arm, but not all 

 the love out of my heart, of which a good share is 

 yours. 



