
          Smithsonian Institution
 Washington City Jan. 7. 1857


 Dear Sir,


 I am now preparing and have
 nearly ready, a series of directions for collecting, 
 preserving, packing and transporting 
 specimens of Natural History, for
 the benefit of the Smithsonian Institution. 
 I wish to add an indication of the
 extent to which explorations have been made
 in each department, what regions have been
 investigated, and what left untouched. Will
 you lend a helping hand in the way of 
 Botany? The directions for collecting
 are mainly those of Hooker in the Admiralty
 Manual, and I should be glad to have
 any amendments which suggest themselves to you.
 But what I want more particularly is an article
 as long or as short as you please, as to the
 particular regions of North America which
 have been not at all, or insufficiently investigated, 
 with a brief statement of the explorations
 which have been made. Also a reference to 
 especial desiderata, in the way of species, genera,
 and families or of special investigations to be
 carried on.  This "Manual" will be distributed
 very widely to all exploring parties, Military
 posts etc., and will no doubt yield
 important results in which I am anxious
 that Botany shall have full share.  If you will furnish this 
 paragraph & article, please let me have it as
        