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Chicago 29 Jan. 1872
1029 Mich. Av.
My Dear Lapham,
I have your communication in reference to forest trees. It is valuable, and I shall incorporate every word of it verbatim et literature. I don't know whether I have expressed to you my views with regard to Schoolcraft's archeoological labors. I think those magnificent volumes published by Congress illustrated by a profusion of costly engravings, on the best of paper, the best of typography, etc. will stand as a monument of [illegible] a legislative body is capable of distinguishing between true science and its empiric cultivators. Humboldt properly called this work a "Common place book." the receptacle for the crudest thoughts, by men, who by education & research, were not capable of instructing a village lyceum. Schoolcraft seems to have had a notion about the commonest idea, if expressed in stilted [phrase?], became a great generalization. Just [illegible] to his description of [illegible] "Garden Beds." There is a Sir Oracle tone about all his announcements, which is disgusting to those who have worked in the same field, and are infinitely his superiors in knowledge. He lets you chat on the [Grave?] Creek mound was found growing
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an [illegible] whose cortical layers indicated so many years, which therefore was the date of its abandonment; that the trees indicate [illegible] 12 & 3 close of the 12th & the beginning of the 13th centuries, as the period when the mound builders were developed &c although the longevity of trees has not been with me a specialty. I had arrived at the conclusion that, ordinarily, 5 or 6 centuries would mark the limit of their growth, & that [illegible] trees covering the mound would carry their antiquity back for some centuries, but that there was a period beyond in which several generations might have sprung up, [illegible] & died, the lapse of which time, it is impossible for us to estimate I wrote to Gray & I have his answer full & explicit, which I shall quote side by side with yours.
I see that your letter was mailed at Chicago, now, instead of compelling me to write these things, come up to my home, & discuss them with me. You would have found Mr. [Perkins?] here. I have always an extra plate. I have written to [Goodman?] about [illegible] find. I am unwilling to adopt any more newspaper [illegible] knowing how largely the Editors indulge in the "Sensational." I feel under infinite obligations to you for your active interest in my work, and am very desirous of submitting it to your [illegible]. & I hope that the opportunity may occur before I go to press. — This cold weather has stiffend up my limbs, & now I am compelled to resort to crutches. I fear that I shall be
compelled to forego my visit to Madison & Friday I had hoped to go to [illegible]. [illegible] meanwhile sending word to you & Dr [Hoy?] If I get over these premonitions I will certainly go to Madison.
Very truly
[J. W. F.?]
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United States Commission, Fish and Fisheries, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Ashtabula, O. Jan 27, 1873
Dear Doctor, Though I have known, for some time, that the Salmon ovae were to be in Professor Bairds hands, for distribution, about the last half of this month, I have failed to write, because I have been on the wing, almost constantly, and fully occupied. It is probable that this German eggs will be largely supplied for the lakes. Dr. J. W. Hoyt, I understand, is working for the necessary appropriation for Wisconsin's allotment, though I have not been able to see the letters from him, in reply to mine, because any localities are so uncertain, they will have to remain at Washington until I reach there.
I saw your name published in connection with a proposed geological survey of your State, which
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of course, was a very judicious suggestion, particularly, because there are so few men, with a thorough knowledge in special lines of Science, who have a sufficient appreciation of the economical purposes of their work, and who will carry out the practical intention of the investigations allotted them, in a thorough manner.
I have lately learned that the rebate of duties, on Salt to fishermen, that Mr. Furlong was interested in, stipulates that those receiving the benefits of this act, would be proprietors of licensed boats. When I have had opportunity to get an official copy of this bill, I will write to Mr. Furlong with reference to it.
I have returned from Omaha, Neb., where I placed 216,000 white fish eggs, in the hands of the Express Sgt., for the California Comm's. Remember me to your family. Yours &c. James W. Milner
