
          Smithsonian Institution
July 17th 1858

My Dear Dr

Mr. Brown of the Patent Office, who
is now at my side, informs me that he
is waiting for the wood cuts and Manuscript,
relative to the [?]-plants you were to prepare
for the Agricultural Report of 1857.

Arrangements have been made for
carrying out the plan originally suggested
by yourself to establish a tree nursery in
this city. The plan has received the approval
of the Secretary of the Interior and Mr. Brown
has commenced to put the grounds in preparation.
and contains about five acres.

You will oblige the secretary and
Mr. Brown if you will give any suggestions
as to providing the seeds and other points
which may occur to you.

I am also requested to inform you
that the Patent Office is now ready to
receive any proposition you may make
in reference to the grasses of the United States
I think you offered to take charge of the
work provided it were done by Mr. Thurber.
I may mention to you in confidence that
if Mr. Thurber is now receiving a salary
        