54 THE FLORIST AND 



really had hoped that those who attempt to outrage the laws of nature, would, 

 ere this, have favored us with a few facts. But as facts are so scanty on 

 that side of the question, and as books are being recommended, we would 

 suggest' the study of the " Book of Nature," as the safest guide to truth. So 

 much by way of passing remark. It is not my object to enter into any dis- 

 cussion now, but only to ash for the right of such discussion. I have noticed 

 that the views of Mr. Meehan, and of every other writer favorable to sexual 

 mutation, have been anxiously inserted in the Flotiist, whether original or 

 extracted from other sources ; and I regret to say that my complete refuta- 

 tion of every position taken by Mr. Meehan, published in the October num- 

 ber of the Farm Journal, has not, in whole or in part, been allowed to see the 

 light on the pages of the Florist. You have, it is true, at p. 327 of your 

 November number, referred to it as written " in very bad taste ;" further re- 

 marking that "those who are in the wrong alwavs make the noise;" and that 

 " there has not been anything in the way of argument on the side of the un- 

 changeable Cincinnati theorists — all is assertion, denial, and on the part of 

 Mr. Prince, abuse of Mr. Meehan." 



Now, sir, I take issue on your own words; and since you have thought pro- 

 per to attack my article, I claim a hearing, and deny your assumed right to 

 condemn me unheard to your readers. I ask, therefore, the insertion of my 

 response to Mr. Meehan in your paper as an act of plain justice ; and at the 

 same time I take it for granted, that under your tuition your readers have be- 

 come sufficiently intelligent to form correct opinions for themselves, without 

 any forestalled promptings. And in order that you may not be taxed with 

 expense, I will, immediately on its insertion, transmit you $5 (or more) to 

 pay the compositor. 



When you shall have done me this act of civility and justice, I solicit as a 

 favor, that you, and every one who agrees with you in opinion, will attack 

 every position I have taken, and bring forward all facts that can be proved. 

 Sound the tocsin throughout the Union, calling on all your believers to rally 

 their forces in the attack ; and I especially urge you to solicit the aid of that 

 strong band you speak of at p. 30 of your January number, where you say 

 you can command " the opinions of men as old as any of them" — (referring 

 to Longworth, Elder, & Co.) " men who are celebrated botanists, directly de- 

 nying the truth of their theory." I will agree to remain silent for three 

 months, or long enough for all fictions, as well as facts, to be brought forth 

 on your side of the question ; and all I ask afterwards is the privilege of a 

 final reply to each and every position that may be advanced. Then let the 

 public decide between us. 



Mr. Hanson failed to notice the impertinent and vulgar language used by 

 Mr. Meehan in some parts of his articles. 



