
          About two years ago I wrote out descriptions of the species of Spartina.
By a reference to these I find that S. juncea [Spartina juncea] & my S. cynosuroides [Spartina cynosuroides] are
described word for word alike except that I have got the exterior valve
of the calyx 1/6 longest (!) in the former. This is a little singular, as I
described the latter in reference to S. polystachya [Spartina polystachya], without thinking
that I was rewriting my S. juncea [Spartina juncea]. Its great resemblance to
it I had observed and had supposed that the reason it had been
overlooked. I was led into my supposition by its single style.
By the way, is it not a larger plant than the real S. juncea [Spartina juncea], &
longer leaved, & with more numerous spikes (3-6). I have seen
many an acre of S. juncea [Spartina juncea] but not a plant as large as the one-styled var. [variety].

You have a double mark of wonder after "Panicum gibbum, Ell [Elliott]!!"
which I do not understand. I had so referred it without hesitation.

There are several plants in your list which want names; I hope you will
not forget to furnish them in your future communications. Those which are
new I should like to have you furnish descriptions of, if you think it important
that they accompany the annunciation of them in my Catalogue. I cannot
[added: deny] that I possess a little of the vanity of discovery & authority, but I cannot very
properly put to my credit any more than I had originally intended before applying
to you. And if you choose to impose names on the whole of them I have no objection.
The plants which I marked to be returned (+) you can retain until
I call for them. Accept assurances of the high respect of

your obt servt, M. A. Curtis.

There are several plants in your list which want names; I hope you will
not forget to furnish them in your future communications. Those which are
new I should like to have you furnish descriptions of, if you think it important
that they accompany the annunciation of them in my Catalogue. I cannot
[added: deny] that I possess a little of the vanity of discovery & authority, but I cannot very
properly put to my credit any more than I had originally intended before applying
to you. And if you choose to impose names on the whole of them I have no objection.
The plants which I marked to be returned (+) you can retain until
I call for them. Accept assurances of the high respect of

Your obt servt [obedient servant], M. A. Curtis.

I am somewhat impatient to hear again from you; your
last report has exacted such an eager interest that I
shall hardly get my balance again until I hear the 
conclusion of your examinations. It has occurred 
to me that the plant I sent as "Scirpus roots?" since H.
may be Syena, but I never saw that plant & do not
know if I am right.

Dr John Torrey
New York
N.Y.
        