426 CORRESPONDENCE. [1857, 
I think I have somewhere in the “ Journal” stated 
my notion about it, or hinted at it. If not, I will, some 
day ; for I have a pretty decided opinion about it: 
that hereditary transmission of individual peculiari- 
ties involves also, among them, the transmission of dis- 
ease, or tendency to Hermans constantly inereas- 
ing heritage of liability as interbreeding goes on; in 
plants well exemplified by maladies efieoting old cul- 
tivated varieties long propagated by division. 
should much enjoy a visit with you at New Haven, 
and so would my wife, no less. Hope we may some 
day. ... 
Yours faithfully, A. Gray. 
TO A. DE CANDOLLE. 
March 26, 1857. 
Fendler is back again in the country of Venezuela, 
and making fine collections. He will complete the 
sets of his former distribution, but not send the same 
things over again. He has found many more Filices. 
Will you and M. Dunant continue ? 
On Wright’s return home he was troubled with 
rheumatism, and longed for a warm climate to pass 
the winter in. So I sent him to the east end of Cuba 
(where I wished the Huets to go). He is doing very 
well there. 
Oregon is still in a disturbed and unsafe state. But 
I should inform you that a commission has been raised 
to run our northwestern boundary with the British 
government ; and it will probably be commenced this 
year, The party would have a sufficient escort, and 
this would give the Huets a safe opportunity for 
botanizing across the’ continent in a high latitude, if 
they are so disposed. I know not any details, but 
