INSCRIBED TO MRS. DIETZ. 



Madam, — 



la this humble attempt to awaken an interest in this subject, and to regis- 

 ter, as far as I am acquainted, a catalogue of genuine American Algae, I am actuated 

 only by a motive to advance a science, the study of which had afforded me so much 

 pleasure, and in which, I feel assured, you take much interest. 



1 was induced to inscribe it to you, Madam, because it is a branch of Natural 

 History free and open to be perused by females as by men — a branch which men 

 have not entirely appropriated to themselves ; likewise, because ladies in Great 

 Eritain have been so successful a; to make some of the mcst important discoveries, 

 and aided in rendering assistance in raising Algology to the proper rank it now 

 main'ains as a clv«s in Natural History. 1 adies hive also excelled in this country 

 in the beautiful display of specimens in their albums, and deserve much credit not only 

 for preserving many species from oblivion, but also for awakening thereby an interest 

 in this subject of those who could not otherwise have been eolisted. England 

 boast proudly and justly of her Mrs. Griffiths, Miss Cutler, and Miss Hutchins. 

 Give us time, opportunity, and encouragement, and why sho'ld not the n^mes of 

 Mrs. Dietz, Mrs. Fisher, and Miss French be as proudly hailed by Americans for 

 the efforts they will make to place this neglected science on the same exalted 

 eminence it huS attained in Europe. 



Most respecl fully, 



JOHN HOOPER. 



