p.2

2
could not send you a better specimen & more of them- but I act
upon the principle that a poor specimen is better than none. If
you concur with me in the opinion that it is a new species I wish
you to describe it under the name of D.alba or D.Ohioensis. It
is called "the pride of Ohio" and has lately been introduced into
gardens under that name. It is the D.integrifolium of Riddell's
Synopsis, but it does not agree with the description of the species
as given by Eaton in four of the five characters mentioned; for
the leaves are not "entire" but slightly crenate; umbels not "few
flowered" nor "straight"; bracts not "linear" but lanceolate. The
flowers are white and the peduncles are erect after flowering0
grows in moist grounds, as borders of "wet [prairies]" or bogs. It
is a very beautiful plant when in full bloom and Ohio has reason
to be "proud" of it!

I had a notice of Dr. Gray's work the North Am.Gramminea
Cyperacea published in one of the Newspapers of Columbus, thinking
it might increase the sale of it. It must be useful to agriculturists
as well as botanists. I sent a package of Carices &c to
him at N.Y. but have not yet heard from him although it is now two
months since they were sent.

I cannot conclude this letter without expressing my most
sincere thanks for the kindness you have shown me in sending plants
& pamphlets and for the highly flattering manner in which you have
spoken of the specimens that I had the pleasure of sending you
last autumn.

Very truly yours,
I.A. Lapham.

Dr. Short.