only, prior to the closer union in 191 1, giving ancient iiistory, leaving the chap- 

 ters of modern history for those who are so ably carrying on the work. May the 

 Society and its journal live long years, doing much needed work in furthering 

 the study of Mosses, Hepatics and Lichens. 

 78 Orange St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 



Inasmuch as copies of the following letters from Mrs. Smith to Society Mem- 

 bers and Subscribers are now rare, it has been thought desirable to print them 

 not only for their interest in connection with the preceding historical review 

 but also as a matter of more general accessibility. Mrs. Smith has suggested 

 cutting them down but we feel that they should be preserved intact. — Editor. 



December 9th, 1910. 



The Sullivant Moss Society, founded in 1898, has grown from the original 

 34 Charter members to over two hundred, and The Bryologist from a four 

 page quarterly to a bimonthly of 24 pages, with a world-wide circulation. Since 

 January i, 1900, I have been solely responsible for the running of The Bryolo- 

 gist, both editorially and financially. Dr. Grout's name, by virtue of his start- 

 ing The Bryologist, which for two years, 1898 and 1899, was published as a 

 Department of The Fern Bulletin, has always been associated with mine as 

 editor but the responsibility whether for good or ill has been mine. In addition 

 to this work I have been the Treasurer of the Sullivant Moss Society and have 

 supervised its work, keeping two sets of books and looking after all the details 

 of the double enterprise. 



Since assuming proprietorship I have paid out to date $2132.98 more than 

 I have received, which I consider my contribution to the advancement of science 

 during the past eleven years. This average amount, I am no longer able to con- 

 tinue. The mechanical work has also outgrown my physical strength. These 

 two reasons combine to make a reorganization necessary at once. 



The following plan is submitted : An Editor-in-chief and a board of Associate 

 Editors to be appointed from Society members, and to become responsible, pro 

 rata, for the financing of The Bryologist. The editions must be paid for as 

 issued, requiring the equivalent of a working capital, as receipts come in small 

 amounts through the year. At the close of each year the small deficit (if any) 

 to be divided among the six persons who are pledged to sustain the work for the 

 year. 



On my part I turn over to the Society all back numbers. Ten Year Index, 

 plates and the so-called good-will of the journal, book accounts, etc. There is a 

 steady income from the sale of back numbers; the file as it stands to date bringing 

 in $12.50. This includes the Ten Year Index and subscription to volume XIV, 

 191 1, which will certainly be continued on some basis. Volume II is out of 

 print and several numbers are becoming low; fortunately they are the earlier 

 and smaller numbers and detract little from the usefulness of the work as a whole. 

 Some plan may be devised to allow of their reprinting. So much for the few 

 who have this work especially in hand. 



On behalf of the Society members at large and the general subscribers, it is 

 proposed to raise the Society dues to $1.50, and the subscription price to $1.25. 

 This is expected to virtually divide the deficit among the members at large, who, 

 heretofore, have contributed little else than dues to the work of the Society, and 

 among the general subscribers. 



If you favor the continuation of the Sullivant Moss Society, and The Bry- 

 ologist conducted as outlined, please write your response — whether in favor of, 



