
          prairie expeditions I have uniformly observed this
 property in the polar plant, have never observed a
 departure from it, except when there was some assignable
 cause apparent to interfere with the natural
 direction of its growth, such as winds, the trampling of
 bufallo [buffalo] , or cattle &c [etc.]"

 The statements of those accomplished officers should
 be conclusive in the matter. Dr. DeCamp once told
 me that after the publication of my letter he had
 especially noticed the indications of the plant on a 
 journey [added : I think] in 1843 from Fort [Gibran?]] west of Ark. [Arkansas] to Jefferson
 Barracks Mo [Missouri?]

 Since I sent the plant to you in 18 Sept [September] 1842
 my principal opportunities to observe [added : it] were at 
 Jefferson Barracks. I never could get the plant to grow
 from the seed. I had commenced a series of observations in 
 May 1844 upon the plant in its early growth (at J.B. [Jefferson Barracks])
 when I was unfortunately ordered away & have never been 
 able to find it since. I could not find it on the [barren?]
 prairies west of Nueces to Rio Grande or in Mexico, 
 or in this part of Michigan. It is found on prairies of
 southern Michigan.

 My additional observations made near J.B. [Jefferson Barracks] and 
 carefully repeated fully confirmed my previous conclusions.
 The indications are most accurate in mid-summer
 after the radical leaf attains its full growth & before
 the decay of the fall commences. Of the flowering plant
 (which is after the [added : first] [crossed out : second] year of growth I believe) my observations
 led me to further interesting suppositions.
        