4 
on account of the elaborate illustrations, will be greater than was at first antici- 
pated ; consequently the publication of the entire work must necessarily be spread 
over a number of years." 
The folio wi no- reference is also made to the work : 
" The progress of the elaborate report on the forest trees of North America, 
mentioned in the last two reports, was for some time arrested by the absence of 
the author, Dr. Gray, in Europe. He has now, however, returned, and will re- 
sume the preparation of the drawings as soon as the funds of the Institution will 
admit of the expenditure. 
" This work has proved a more expensive undertaking than was at first an- 
ticipated, and can only be finished on the original plan by extending the time of 
its publication over several years. It will form a valuable contribution to the 
botany and economical and ornamental arts of our country." * 
To the preparation of this report on forest trees by drawings and plates, 
the Institution devoted a considerable sum. during ten years ; but owing to the 
man}^ engagements of Dr. Gray, and other causes, no descriptive manuscript was 
ever received from him, and the expense of the illustrations becoming so great. 
Professor Henry suspended the work, and the whole matter was permitted to 
rest until a more favorable opportunity. This never came, the death of Pro- 
fessor Henry and pressing demands on the Institution for other objects pre- 
vented its resumption, and the plates already executed with so much care and 
success remained at the residence of Dr. Gray until his recent death, w^hen 
thev were forwarded to the Institution. 
They are now presented to the public at the request of some of our leading- 
botanists as possessing great merit and value, even without any descriptive text, 
which, in view of the botanical w-orks everywhere accessible to the reader, would 
seem to be uncalled for. 
They will be distributed to the principal botanists and museums of the world 
as mementos of the distinguished man who gave so much of his life and labors 
to this department of knowledge. 
S. P. LANGLEY, 
Secretary. 
Smithsonian Institution, 
Washington City, May, 1891. 
* Fifth Report of Profofsor Henry, for 1851. 
