Household >SV/<v/tr. IOI 



on your list, and few equal to it in interest, instructivenrss, 

 and adaptation to popular want. It is a capital hook, 

 clearly written, reliable, thoroughly posted in its science, 

 suggestive, and abounds in lessons of wisdom for the con- 

 duct of life which have a high value, as they are linked on 

 so directly to the order of creation to the life of so famil- 

 iar and beautiful an object as the living tree. Secondly, I 

 am moved to write and strike for any forlorn chance there 

 may be by the fact that the author is a poor, struggling 

 man of Philadelphia, without practical tact, who can't find 

 the handles of this world, and deserves that others should 

 help him. His book has been out a year, and six hundred 

 copies have been sold, almost entirely by himself. Dr. 

 Draper, of this city, called my attention to the book and 

 the man. I went on to Philadelphia and dug him up a 

 splendid botanist, a fine thinker, yet in all that appertains 

 to this world a poor creature. The house of Appleton have 

 kindly promised me to do what they can to push the book 

 into better notice. I have done what I could for the author 

 and his work gratuitously. I neither expect nor want any- 

 thing for my trouble, time, or expense. The publishers 

 say they would be glad to help without expecting to make 

 much in the matter, and, all this being the case, I venture 

 to write you as I have done. If the book pleases you and 

 it lies in your power, pray give us a little assistance. 



Very truly yours, E. L. YOUMANS. 



