Harvard University 
School of Landscape Architecture 
Cambridge, Mass. 
James Sturgis Pray, Chairman 
Professor Merritt L. Fernald. -2- May 29, 1920. 
"in some way, under the auspices of Harvard perhaps 
"through your great influence and that of the L. A. 
"School, some portion of the great funds now being 
"raised, might not be diverted to this cause, to 
"commissioning Mr. Valentien to do this great work 
"for Harvard and New England. I know he would ac- 
"cept it, for he said so to me." 
I have replied: 
"I have considered your suggestion with regard to 
"the reproductions of New England flora. From point 
"of view of our profession, however, such a work as 
"you suggest is nowhere near as much needed as it 
"was in California, ^y that I mean that there are al¬ 
ready existing splendid illustrations of a large pro¬ 
portion of the native New England flowering plants 
"with which we are most concerned as landscape archi- 
M teots. Therefore, were such a sum available as would 
"be necessary for this, it would seem to me far more 
"useful to us diverted into some other channel, I am 
"going to communicate, however, with the Department of 
"Botany here, and it may seem worth while to bring the 
"matter to the attention of Dr. N. L. Britton at Bronx 
"Park, New York. Believe me, I quite appreciate your 
"enthusiasm and desire." 
Does this interest your Department or have 
you any comment or suggestion to offer? I have not 
taken the matter up with anyone else. 
Cordially 
Professor Merritt L. Fernald. 
