
          Washington, D.C. Mh [March] 10 1855

 Dear Sir:

 While looking over my papers a few
 days ago I found a specimen of the plant
 known in Cala [California?] as the "nutmeg tree", and another
 of a peculiar character that I do not
 recognize. I enclose leaves of both, and
 wish that you had the specimens. The first,
 is I believe in bud or flower.

 I forget whether I asked you
 to send me the sketch of the Great tree?
 If convenient, please place it in a wrapper
 and have it left at my Father's No.
 4 St. Mark's Place. I wish my sister
 to copy it.

 Respectfully & truly yrs [yours]
 Wm [William] P. Blake

 Prof [Professor] J [John] Torrey
 New York
        