330 A DECADE OF WORK AT HOME.  [1845, 
something must be done, and I will see if we can’t 
have a very popular, and at the same time a pretty 
good book. 
George ! sends his warm regards. 
21st November, 1845. 
I have driven Oakes so absolutely into a corner 
that I think he will work for once. The man’s prepa- 
rations and materials are enormous! and for his sake 
I hope he will. If he does not, I shall know in time, 
— that is, as soon as I can use the knowledge, — and 
then the plan may take such form as may be deemed 
best. I should then wish to make it more absolutely a 
supplement of ‘“ Botanical Text-Book;” but only for 
the proper North. In the way in which it would then 
be done, with Persoonish ? compactness and brevity, 
I doubt if you would care to engage in it. As soon 
as we can get out the proper Botany of the United 
States, I should wish it to supersede this to a great 
extent. In my hands, I would sell it so cheaply as to 
make very little, except as it promotes the sale of the 
* Botanical Text-Book.” I would sell the “ Text-Book ” 
with it for $2, or less even. The great object is to 
keep the ground clear by running an uncompromising 
opposition against the threatening interlopers. 
My lectures are to commence January 13th. 
TO J. D. HOOKER. 
CAMBRIDGE, 31st December, 1845. 
I was much pleased to receive your pleasant letter 
of the 29th October last, and I read with interest the 
account of the debate on the occasion of the election 
: His brother, then living with him in Cambridge to enter Harvard. 
Christian Hendrik Persoon, 1755-1838; a botanist at the Cape 
of Good Hope. Died in Paris at a very advanced age. Fungologist. 
