
          Plants have been published as far as Compostae [Compositae] 
 in the Smithsonian contributions. Beyond Compositae
 a great many more new & interesting species
 [crossed out: have] are already amassed and being discovered.
 If after this a union of all our collections could be
 effected and published altogether in continuation
 of those contributions giving each collector his
 due award it would make something creditable
 to our government and detract nothing from the
 merits of those engaged in it. Due & deserved
 credit would enure to Maj [Major] Emory Mr. Bartlett (if
 he would unite) and Col [Colonel] Graham for their liberality
 and zeal in promoting and assisting collections.
 Yourself Dr. Gray Dr. Engelman [Engelmann] Mr. Sullivant & all
 others engaged in their determination and reduction
 for your zeal and learning while the humble collector
 who undergoes much fatigue & privation as well as
 danger should not be forgotten or neglected in the 
 roll; for if we can not make the music we are
 necessary in raising the wind so essential in successfully
 playing the organ of fame. The plants I send you
 by Mr. Wright I hope you will find in much better [added: order] than those
 sent heretofore. Over crowded as my specimens were
 at that time I had hardly paper enough to send them as 
 it was. This year I have abundance and am not under the
 necessity of crowding them in so small a space. In all our
 collections this year you will find a beautiful Aquilegia
 with yellow flowers. I enclose a fragment which will give you
 an idea whether it is new. I fear however it is too conspicuous
        