Sir/

I am desired by the Committee of the Botanical Congress¹ to ask you to allow your name to be added to the list of its members which already comprises those of

Prof A. de Candolle President

Prof Babington

J. J. Bennett Esq

Rev^d. M J Berkeley

Prof Bentley

D^r. J. E. Gray

D^r. Welwitsch

John Miers Esq

W. Carruthers Esq²

and others—

A Programme will shortly be sent to you³

in the meantime I beg the favor of an early reply and am Sir | Your obedient Servant | Maxwell. T. Masters | MD | Hon. Sec. Congress—

P.S. | Private— not official!

My dear Sir/

Owing to D^r. Seemann’s somewhat sudden departure and the establishment of a congress committee only during the last few days I am ignorant if any communication has been sent you—⁴ Pray excuse me for troubling you twice over if I have done so