Box 11, Folder 5: Correspondence January-April 1873

[Left Page] discoveries that when one sated everyone wonders why they had such thought of it before. You [illegible] together the characters of indefinite [cotyledons?] "[illegible]" and "[illegible]" [illegible] [illegible]" as showing an inferior grade to monocotyledon is admirable. I feel proud that it should have first worked up by a western man & published in a western journal.

The article by [illegible] on Rocky Mt Conifers while containing some very good parts [illegible] some serious [blunders?] evidently written largely from recollection — not from actual specimens, for example stating that [illegible] "[illegible] [illegible] flexible leaves & hence its name" is a [illegible] that no one would commit with specimens [Right Page] before him. I do not know whether he would take it well to point out his error.

I have several sets of Rocky Mt woods, and will if you so desire send as full a set as I can for the academy museum.

I have just received the Vol. Historical [Society?] [illegible] & have acknowledged the same many thanks to you for the suggestion on which [illegible] were sent. Of course I should need no prompting to lend you anything in the historical line that may have come in my way, knowing of old your [Salting?] down propensity.

I have not made any collection of plant [illegible] in the Rocky Mts. the walking

not having come under my observation no doubt there is a good deal to do in that line — I must tell you that I have just accepted a position as botanist & meteorologist in a military expedition to the Big Horn in Yellowstone river I start next June & takes 4 months so that will vary my plans somewhat from this season. I will let you know particulars at another time. In haste.

Yours truly, C. C. Parry

The Citizens' Bank A. Campbell, President. Henry D. Smith, Cashier. Marquette, Mich. Jany 18th 1873

Hon. Wm A Hiner Madison Wis

Dear Sir, I understand it to be probable that the Wisconsin Legislature during its present session will provide for the organization and completion of the State Geological Survey and being made aware of your earnest desire that the Survey should accomplish the best possible results. I think I am but expressing from our opinion in the statement that your state could hardly secure a greater advantage in connection with this work than by placing it under the direction of Maj. J. B. Brooks — It would be difficult to estimate the value of his labors in the Iron District of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan — they have already accomplished much for this region, and indicate the great practical value of the results when fully published, and it is certain that he would be equally effective in the prosecution of the Geological

The Citizens' Bank A. Campbell, President. Henry D. Smith, Cashier. Marquette, Mich. 187

survey of your state — I am informed that personally it is your desire that he shall be appointed Director of the Wis Survey under which impression I suggest that the following persons who are residents of Wis. and warm personal friends of Maj Brooks would doubtless very cheerfully aid him in the accomplishment of so desirable, — result viz: J. J. Hagerman Anguss Smith & Simon N. Small all of Milwaukee and John Langley of Prairie Du Chien & John H Knight of Bayfield.

I am Very Truly Yours

J. M. Wilkinson

J.M. Wilkinson

to Gov Washburn

Jan 18, 1873