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15
Lexington Decr. 17.th 1816.

My dear Sir,

Was you aware that there were
two different species, or at least strongly-marked
varieties of the Gymnocladus (Coffee nut Tree) native
in our county [?] I was accidently led to remark a
difference in the tree which I had never before done
and upon references to Michaux and other authors I
find but one species designated viz. the G. Canadensis.
From a number of trees which I have lately examined
I am induced to believe that there exists difference
enough to constitute two species or at least varieties.
At the present season when neither the flower nor
leafs is to be seen, we have only the general appearance
of the tree and form of the seed, vessels to judge by
of the latter I send you a rough sketch, representing
the form of the two pods (legumens). Each contain
from eight to ten seed imbedded in that peculiar
sweet and viscid matter which fills the pods and
divides it into cells. The seed of Fig 1. are generally
smaller than those of the other. As to the general
appearance of the two trees that from which the
pod (fig 2) was taken exhibits comparatively a rough
in aspects the external back being convoluted into thin
tortuous scales like that of the Honey-locust while
that bearing fig 1. is a smoother tree, its back resemb-
ling more nearly that of the dogwood. As to the alti-
tude and general growth of the two trees I see no
differences. Both are very common in the neighbour-
hood of this. The former perhaps more frequent.