
          I thought, in a genus where
the characters are so
striking just the reverse
of the everlasting sameness
and uniformity but
greatest vacillation of
the Cactaceae, especially
the Opuntiae.

I had hoped and expected
to be in New York before the
end of last month  but
am determined now to work
it out  even if my departure
to Europe should fall in
November or even later,
but I have given up to
work out Asclepiadaceae
before I leave, for which
I have brought good materials
with me.
        