
          Ansd [Answered] by Dr. Gray

Lancaster P [Pennsylvania] Dec. 29. 1840.

Respected Gentlemen -

I have put up a suit of my Asters
and Solidagos, with the intention of sending them to you by the
first convenient opportunity. It is probable however,
that you will not get them before the next number of 
your  Flora of North American [added: is published] which Mr. Sullivant informs
me is about being put to press at this time, and that it will be
filled exclusively with the genus Aster. - I have not pretended
to name, as in fact to study the Asters & Solidagos excepting the
most distinctly marked ones. - The same is also the case with 
the genus Helianthus, and other genera of the order Compositae.

Indeed, we Westerners, look forward to the dawn of a 
new era whom the order Compositae, whom your excellent, (we
may say national,) work shall have been published on this
subject. -

I have smattered a little in Botany for a number of years, 
but from want of book, company, and proper attention I had
neither made any collection of consequence, with any progress in this
delightful Science. - Last summer however, I collected pretty
thoroughly, having been stimulated to it by an acquaintance with 
Mr. Wm [William S. Sullivant of Columbus. - You will observe, that my
plants generally, are not put up with that neatness that is required
of a professed Botanist; and in some instances they are
much injured in the process of drying; this in many instances
results from want of time, which is devoted to the practice of a most 
arduous profession, with which you are in some measure acquainted.
Many times, some of my most interesting specimens are
brought home in my hat, and probably before I have time to smooth
out some of the wrinkles consequent upon this cramped position
in this hat, a call is made post haste, and my poor plants are
obliged to suffer the withering influences of a hot summer day. - 
I have become so enthusiastic as to be satisfied with a badly 
dried specimen, rather them have none at all. -

I have at this time, put up but a small lot of plants,
because I am obliged to depend upon the politeness of 
        