Dear Sir

After an interval, during which I was too deeply involved in politics, to think of almost any other study, I take the liberty of thanking you for the great pleasure I had in reading your last publications especially the one on the self fertilisation of plants. I had an english edition but the wonderful book has since been reprinted in the United states.¹

Shall we never be so happy as to see you here? As matters now stand, I believe the conquest of this country for your theories would be easier than ever before. But for this desirable result as for any moral or intellectual conquest the American people require strong external impulses. I can not imagine any stronger one, than your presence among us, were it only for a few short months.

At the same time I take the liberty of joining to these rapidly written lines a report of Mr. Riley on his campaign against the migratory locusts. I suppose that you know that the federal government has put him deservedly at the head of the entomological commission, which was created last fall.² I thought that you would read a report on our warfare against the great enemy of the western farmer with some interest.

In begging you to excuse the liberty of addressing you by my unalterable admiration of you I remain your most obediant servant and friend.

Chas. L. Bernays | Col. Lt. Cal. U.S.A.