
          Smithsonian Institution
 Washington March 25 1857


 Dear Doctor,


 I have the pleasure of sending to 
 you a copy of the Periodical phenomena circular.
 Some hundreds have already been distributed,
 and more will be sent off in the
 course of a few days.


 How do you come on with Fremont's
 article. Are you almost ready to put to press.
 Please let me know the probable number
 of pages it will make.


 Captain Stansbury is very anxious to
 know how many plates will be required to illustrate
 his botany.  This information is important
 as unless he claims the full number now
 he may not get them for his report. Will you
 not relieve his mind on this subject.


 How about the paper on Major
 Emory's plants? He was here to-day and read
 on your letter to him about the drawings.
 Professor Henry would be very willing to publish
 in the Smithsonian Contributions, except
 that it would in a measure infringe upon
 the fundamental principle of the Institution
 viz. - not to do what others will. Now, will
 not government publish for the Major? If
 not then Smithsonian steps in and
 asks how much matter will there be. How
 many plates will be required in all. How
 long a time would be required to have figures
 drawn, how long to engrave: Can they be
 engraved in Paris at less cost than here.
 How soon will Dr. Torrey furnish mss [manuscript] complete.
 All these are questions which Smithsonian 
 begs you to answer.

        