Some of the more immediate and best-established deductions I hope to bring out in a paper I shall soon be occupied with, containing the results of a comparison of the flora of Japan (in which I have new materials) with our own of the United States of America. My college work keeps me very busy at this season. ... I see no near prospect of revisiting the Old World. The commercial troubles last autumn have reduced our moderate means and prospects a little. But if I live I must yet have two years’ work in England and on the Continent. With great regard, I remain, Yours very faithfully, ASA GRAY. TO JOHN TORREY. July 27, 1858. I have to-day received a nice present from Vilmorin of Paris, i. e., the copy of Robert Brown’s “Prodromus,” presented by him to A. L. de Jussieu. ... I am kept here, too, by the attending suddenly to building a new conservatory, for which a donation of $2,000 has been received. I cannot leave till it is well under way. I am deep in Japan botany; interesting results. September 24. At length we are home again, arriving night before last, very direct from Quebec, where we had (as everywhere else upon our whole route--Litchfield, New York, Palisades, Fairfield, Sauquoit, Montreal, etc.) a delightful time. J. much stronger, except for a cold caught in Quebec, which still lingers. Colonel Munro[43] was very kind; is a jolly good fellow, as the English say. TO GEORGE ENGELMANN. October 14, 1858. By this time you are in your house, I hope, and all comfortable, and ready soon to set to work. I rejoice to hear that Mr. Shaw keeps up his zeal, and will make a creditable establishment. I wish him all prosperity. If he will make and keep up a general herbarium it will save you much time and money.... October 30. I have yours of the 24th. Tatnall[44] is an old friend of Dr. Darlington, new to me, but writing to me of late. I know not his age, profession, character, etc., etc. But he appears to know the plants around him very well.... Hope you are getting settled down and comfortable. I met Agassiz at the Club. He is cordial and pleasant. He had not heard of your return, which I wondered at.... Fendler is with you, at least in St. Louis. Short is ready to advance something if he will fall to collecting again wherever you say. Get him some appointment with the army at Utah. That is the place. What is the good of your both being Democrats if you cannot get something for it!! December 3. Darwin asks me to find out if you medical men have ascertained or noticed any difference in liability to take fevers of warm climates, say yellow fever, between light-complexioned and dark-complexioned people of the Caucasian race. If you know personally anything about it, or where anything is published bearing on the point, kindly let me know, and oblige Your old friend, ASA GRAY. TO GEORGE BENTHAM. December 13, 1858.