276 A DECADE OF WORK AT HOME.  [1840, 
TO ALPHONSE DE CANDOLLE. 
New York, September 15, 1840. 
My pear Frienp. ... I had not forgotten our 
conversation on the subject of geographical botany. 
On my return I found I had a copy, a mere proof, of 
the little article I spoke of, and was about to offer it 
to you, but on examination it appeared to me much 
less important than I had supposed and perhaps led 
you to expect. But as it may be of some little use, I 
now beg you to accept it. I have added, here and 
there, the scientific names when the popular names 
only were mentioned. 
The question you suggest as to the effect of the de- 
struction of the forests on the climate is very inter- 
esting, and I think still unanswered. I fear it will be 
next to impossible to obtain data, even in this country, 
for its satisfactory determination. There are very 
few thermometrical observations on record of suffi- 
cient extent or exactness, except for the last eight or 
ten years. For a year or two I shall not be able to 
pay any attention to these subjects except to collect 
materials. But I am very desirous to afford you any 
aid in my power, and will attend to any suggestions 
you make, obtain any data which come in my way, or 
secure the services of our botanical correspondents 
scattered throughout our extended country. Pray tell 
me how I can aid you. The annual reports of the 
regents of the University of the State of New York 
are documents submitted annually to our legislature, 
and printed at their expense for public use. They 
relate chiefly to the condition of our colleges and 
higher schools, but for six or perhaps nine years past 
have also embodied the results of the meteorological 
observations made throughout the State under their 
. 
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