a Nene tn cae 
7. 53.] TO GEORGE ENGELMANN. 515 
Martius is not a very remarkable botanist, but 
good ; is a genial, philosophical soul (full of Plato, 
ete.), a good explorer, has worked up the Palms, ete., 
well, and is a wonderful man for the amount he 
knows on a vast number of different subjects, — phi- 
lology, antiquities, philosophy, et id genus omne. 
May 3, [1864]. 
. . . Spring is opening here, but late. From this 
to July 10, I am engaged in college every day in the 
week. Also am watching the herbarium building go 
up, the brick walls of which, if good weather, may be 
all up this week, and the roof put on next week. 
Your circular letter to good Martius was very good, 
especially in its original German. Thanks. . . 
Never mind if “ Sagittaria graminea, Michaux,” is 
applicable to only one “form. You had best keep the 
old name, the more so as that you propose, S. sim- 
plicifolia, is “not always correct.” We can’t let you 
change a name because you can improve it. Too 
many can and would play at that game, and less dis- 
creetly than you would, and then cite your example ! 
If Fendler gets tired of bush-clearing, and will come 
to me this fall, I will give him $500 a year as curator, 
lodgings, two rooms in gardener’s house, which I have 
reserved ; and let him have say three days in the 
week for himself, if he wants them. 
The people are determined to support and reélect 
their excellent President Lincoln (what a noble letter 
that last of his), whether Frémont and the like make a 
coalition with copperheads or not. It is all the same 
tous. Lincoln will walk the course. God bless him! 
Wright is coming home for a few months this sum- 
mer, 
