Delaware journal., 1827-11-23


valuable foreign plants in the United States is
made public, in the hope that the object which it
has in view may be the better promoted by causing
it to be more generally known.
Copies of the circular have been placed in the
hands Of the principal collectors, ofwhom they may
be had by such masters of vessels. or others gons
abroad, may he willing to aid in carrying into ei
feet design believed To give promise OF public
utility.
TCIRCULAR.1
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
September, 8, 1897.
Sir The President is desirous of causing to be
introduced into the United States all such trees and
plants from other countries, not heretofore known in
the United States as may give promise, under pro-
per guilty alton, of hourishiny and becoming useful
as well AS superior varieties OF such are already
cultivated here. TO this end have his directions
90 address myself to you, invoking your and TO give
effect to the plan that he has in view. Forest trees
useful for timber grain OF any description; vegc.
tables for the table esculent roots and IN short.
plants of whatever nature whether useful as food
for man or the domestic animals, or for purposes
connected with manufactures or any of the useful
arts, fall within the scope Of the plan proposed.
specification of Of them, to be had in the coun-
try where you reside, and believed to fall under one
or other of the above heads, is given at the foot Of
this letter. as samples merely, it not being intended
TO exclude others, of which you may yourself have
knowledge, or be able, on inquiry. to obtain knowl
edge. With any that you may have it in your power
10 send it will be desirable TO send such notices OF
their cultivation and natural history may be at
tanable in the country to which they are Indigenous
and the following questions are amongst those that
will indicate the particulars concerning which inor-
nation may be sought
/. The latitude and soil in which the plant most
hourishes.
g. What are the seasons of its bloom and maturi.
ty, and what the term of its duration
3. In what manner is it Propagated BY roots,
seeds, buds, gratis layers, or how ! and how cul.
tivated and are there any unusual circumstances
attending its cultivation
4. Is it affected by frost, in countries where frost
prevails
s. The native or popular name Of the plant and
(where known) its botanical name and character.
g. The elevation Of the place Of its growth above
the level of the sea.
T. Is there n the agricultural literature of the
country, any special treatise dissertation upon its
culture If so let If be stated
g. Is there any insect particularly habituated to
ii
8. Lastly---its use, whether for food, medicine,
or the arts.
In removing seeds OF plants from remote places
across the ocean, or otherwise, great care is often
necessary to be observed in the manner of putting
them up and conveying them. To aid your efforts
in this respect, upon the present occasion, paper
otdirections has been prepared and is herewith
transmitted
The President will hope for your attention to The
objects of this communication as far circum-
stances will allow and it is not doubted but that yonr
own public feelings will impart to your endeavour.
under it, zeal proportioned to the beneficial results
to which the communication looks. 1t is proper tc
add that no expense can at present be authorised ir
relation to it. 1t is possible however, that Congress:
may not be indsposed to provide Il small fund fol
il. The seeds, plants, cuttings, or whatever othe
terminating substance you may transmit must b,
addressed to the Treasury Department, and sen
TO the Collector of the port to which the vesse
conveying them is destined, or where she may ar
rive, accompanied bya letter Of advice to the De
partment. The Secretary the Navy has instruct
ed the Commanders of such of the public vessel
of the United States as may ever touch at Your port
70 lend you their assistance towards giving effect
the objects of this communication as you will per
ceive by the copy Of his letter of instruction.
which is herewith enclosed for your information
is believed also, that the Masters of the merchar
vessels of the United States will generally be will
ing-such is their we'll known public spirt-.-to len
their gratuitons cooperation towards effectnc III
objects proposed.
remain, respectfully, your most obedient ser'v
RICHARD RUSH.
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