DEDICATION. 5 



with you since we met last. Take from me the wish 

 that fate may be gentle with you and give you still many 

 years in enjoyment of your favored pursuits. I? 

 never mind about me. We human beings have all our 

 share of burdensome times. I have been side-tracked 

 for years; and if my mind has been forced to abandon 

 its flight for a period, let me tell you the glorious truth: 

 I live a happy home life. I had occasion to show my 

 wife a few orchids, 'and tell her about the rest. She is 

 a soul like the character that dwells in our spectabile 

 ladyslipper. I promised her to take her to your land 

 and show her your treasured orchids. I trust that day 

 will come, and may fate grant that we find you well and 

 hearty. Farewell! 



Our sun here has set. There is no noise to be heard 

 but the crickets in the grass and the ringing of my cow's 

 bell from the pasture below. My dear wife has left her 

 pansy-bed, and I hear the solemn strains of Chopin's 

 Funeral March, a favored tune of mine. I have to 

 leave my desk and pass the rest of this Sunday in my 

 wife's company. Farewell again 



from sincerely yours 



GEO. HANSEN. 



Jackson, Gal., May 20, 1894. 



