Ibarvarfc ^University 
B. L. ROBINSON, Curator 
(Srai? iberbarium 
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A. 
11 -January, 1$09. 
Dear Collins: 
I have been thinking over your question as to the choice of a speaker 
likely to be available and capable of sneaking acceptably on the subject of 
the botanical aspects of evolution. I have talked the matter over with Per- 
nald and he has suggested Mr. -J. I. Bergen, whose address is # 47 Raymond St., 
Cambridge, Mass. I think the suggestion is a very good one. Mr. Bergen has 
A 
for many years devoted much attention and study to the theoretical aspects of 
this subject. He has, I believe, published somewhat upon its principles. 
He is a man of good presence, high Mi>t scholarship, and excellent judgment. 
While living in the vicinity of Naples he was much at the marine biological 
station and kept up his studies of ecology and adaptation. I presume you may 
have read some of his papers or at all events know his admirable series of 
botanical textbooks, which have had a phenomenal sale. 
It Is possible that Dr. Bradley M. Davis, who is now at Wood’s Hole, would 
be willing bo give such an address. I think that there is no doubt that he 
has the requisite scholarship. My only doubt Is whether he would prove a 
really Interesting or stimulating speaker. 
President Brainerd, who since his resignation is living in leisure at Mid- 
dlebury, Vermont, has as you know been long interested in developmental prob¬ 
lems, having been in touch with several prominent evolutionists, and conduct- 
