their cultivation and natural history as may be attainable in 

 the country to which they are indigenous; and the follow- 

 ing questions are amongst those that will indicate the 

 particulars concerning which information may be sought: 



1. The latitude and soil in which the plant most 

 flourishes. 



2. What are the seasons of its bloom and maturity, and 

 what the term of its duration? 



3. In what manner is it propagated? by roots, seeds, 

 buds, grafts, layers, or how? and how cultivated? and are 

 there any unusual circumstances attending its cultivation? 



4. Is it affected by frost, in countries where frost prevails? 



5. The native or popular name of the plant, and (where 

 known) its botanical name and character. 



6. The elevation of the place of its growth above the level 

 of the sea. 



7. Is there in the agricultural literature of the country, 

 any special treatise or dissertation upon its culture? If so, 

 let it be stated. 



8. Is there any insect particularly habituated to it? 



9. Lastly— its use, whether for food, medicine, or the arts. 

 In removing seeds or plants from remote places across 



the ocean, or otherwise, great care is often necessary to be 

 observed in the manner of putting them up and conveying 

 them. To aid your efforts in this respect upon the present 

 occasion, a paper of directions has been prepared, and is 

 herewith transmitted. 



The President will hope for your attention to the objects 

 of this communication as far as circumstances will allow; 

 and it is not doubted that your own public feelings will 

 impart to your endeavours under it, a zeal proportioned to 

 the beneficial results to which the communication looks. It 

 is proper to add, that no expense can at present be autho- 

 rized in relation to it. It is possible, however, that Congress 

 may not be indisposed to provide a small fund for it. The 

 seeds, plants, cuttings, or whatever other germinating sub- 

 stance you may transmit, must be addressed to the Treasu- 

 ry Department, and sent to the Collector of the port to which 

 the vessel conveying them is destined, or where she may 

 arrive, accompanied by a letter of advice to the department. 

 The Secretary of the Navy has instructed the Commanders 



