sent on intricate problems of scientific work. In that event I should simply 

 free my mind of all worry regarding the fern-work and hooe that when the other 



your scientific work, and with a far better prospect of bringing it to a suc- 

 cessful conclusion than if you were to attempt it when your mind was much oe- 

 cuDied with other matters. 



But if you feel inclined to oroceed with the work at once, I should endeav- 

 our tc do so in a way to make it a recreation and diversion from business 

 cares, and never continue work upon it one moment after I found myself be- 

 ginning to grow nervous over it. I should narrow my attention to a single 

 small grouo at a time, re-examining the specimens, rereading all available 

 literature upon the group, and revising my manuscript upon it until I got it 

 into good clearr literary form, giving much cars to such matters as consistent 

 arrangement of descriptions, uniform paragraphing, capitalization, undersco- 

 ring, etc By thus narrowing your attention to a small group at a time, I am 

 sure you will find it much less difficult to concentrate your attention upon 

 the work, and your progress will be more satisfactory and rapid. Have you con- 

 sidered the possibility of taking in some younger botanist, such as Eaton for 

 Example, as a collaborator? 



None of us can think of letting you drop out of the club. 



With kindest regards and best wishes for the success of your undertakings,' 

 I am 



turn, you would bs able to return with new energy to 



Very sincerely yours, 



iy. Seorge 3. Davenport. 



