“1. 75.] TO J.C. ARTHUR AND OTHERS. TTT 
vember eighteenth, 1885 — Asa Gray — in token of 
the universal esteem of American Botanists.’ 
“The decoration of one side is Graya polygaloides, 
surrounded by Aquilegia Canadensis, Centaurea Ame- 
ricana, Jeffersonia diphylla, Rudbeckia speciosa, and 
Mitchella repens. On the other Shortia galacifolia, 
Lilium Grayi, Aster Bigelovii, Solidago serotina, and 
Epigza repens. The lower part of the handles runs 
into a cluster of Dionxa leaves, which clasps the body 
of the vase, and their upper parts are covered with 
Notholena Grayi. Adlumia cirrhosa trails over the 
whole background. The entire surface is oxidized, 
which gives greater relief to the decorations.” 
Greetings in the form of cards and letters, sent by 
those who gave the vase, were placed ona silver salver 
accompanying the gift, with the inscription, “ Bearing 
the greetings of one hundred and eighty botanists of 
North America to Asa Gray on his seventy-fifth birth- 
day, November 18th, 1885.” 
Dr. Gray was exceedingly touched and delighted, 
as well as overwhelmed with surprise. d the day, 
with pleasant calls and congratulations from friends 
and neighbors, gifts of flowers with warm and kindly 
notes, was made a memorable one indeed. 
His response to the senders of the vase was printed 
and sent to all who could be reached. 
Herpartum or HarvAarD UnIversity, 
Campripcr, Mass., November 19, 1885. 
To J. C. Arthur, C. R. Barnes, J. M. Coulter, Committee, and to the 
numerous Botanical Brotherhood represented by them : 
As I am quite unable to convey to you in words 
any adequate idea of the gratification I received on 
the morning of the 18th inst., from the wealth of con- 
