FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO PARIS. 85 



tary that it ■would be several days before be would be able to sec 

 me, and it being doubtful whether he could aid me much in the 

 way of introductions to presidents of horticultural and agricultural 

 societies, I determined to write to them myself, inclosing a copy 

 of my commission. This course was adopted for two reasons : 

 first, because my own time was very limited, and, secondly, in 

 order not to trouble the minister too much. 



It was now the beginning of August, and every body who 

 could do so was leaving Paris. We found the presidents gone 

 with the rest to the country. We ascertained this fact several 

 days after our letters had been written. Meantime we visited 

 the vineyards and farms around Paris. Having ascertained the 

 whereabouts of the officials, we started to Dijon, August 6th. 



