446 FERTILISATION OF FLOWERS. [1862. 



I have heard that Bentham and Oliver approve of it ; but I 

 have heard the opinion of no one else whose opinion is worth 

 a farthing. . . . No doubt my volume contains much error: 

 how curiously difficult it is to be accurate, though I try my 

 utmost. Your notes have interested me beyond measure. I 

 can now afford to d my critics with ineffable complacency 

 of mind. Cordial thanks for this benefit. It is surprising to 

 me that you should have strength of mind to care for science, 

 amidst the awful events daily occurring in your country. I 

 daily look at the Times with almost as much interest as an 

 American could do. When will peace come ? it is dreadful 

 to think of the desolation of large parts of your magnificent 

 country ; and all the speechless misery suffered by many. I 

 hope and think it not unlikely that we English are wrong in 

 concluding that it will take a long time for prosperity to re- 

 turn to you. It is an awful subject to reflect on. ... 



[Dr. Asa Gray reviewed the book in 'Silliman's Journal,' * 

 where he speaks, in strong terms, of the fascination which it 

 must have for even slightly instructed readers. He made, too, 

 some original observations on an American orchid, and these 

 first-fruits of the subject, sent in MS. or proof sheet to my 

 father, were welcomed by him in a letter (July 23rd) : 



" Last night, after writing the above, I read the great 

 bundle of notes. Little did I think what I had to read. 

 What admirable observations ! You have distanced me on 

 my own hobby-horse ! I have not had for weeks such a glow 

 of pleasure as your observations gave me." 



The next letter refers to the publication of the review :] 



* ' Silliman's Journal,' vol. xxiv. p. 138. Here is given an account of 

 the fertilisation of Platanthera Hookeri. P, hyperborea is discussed in Dr. 

 Gray's ' Enumeration ' in the same volume, p. 259 ; also, with other 

 species, in a second notice of the Orchid-book at p. 420. 



