Thanks AG for 2d part of "Statistics [of the flora of the northern U. S.", Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 22 (1856): 204–32; 2d ser. 23 (1857): 62–84, 369–403].

Is glad AG concludes species of large genera are wide-ranging, but is "riled" that he thinks the line of connection of alpine plants is through Greenland. Mentions comparisons of ranges worth investigating.

Believes trees show a tendency toward separation of the sexes and wonders if U. S. species bear this out. Asks which genera are protean in U. S.

JDH thanks Asa Gray for his letter & review of [Rev. Miles Joseph] Berkeley. Berkeley will not like Gray's review or JDH's in JOURNAL OF BOTANY. JDH comments on Gray's criticism of his ideas on physiology, comparing them to a firework, and to his own less ordered style of critique. Declares that he will not take account of a 'vital force' until anyone else does. Compares American & British terminology i.e. in the United States physiology is synonymous with biology. Discusses nomenclature & the use of the English 'anth' in names such as Ranunculanths, compared to using the suffixes: 'ads' or 'worts' in place of aceae. This was started by [John Stevens] Henslow & despite misgivings JDH has advised [George] Bentham to retain them as they are now effectively sanctioned by the government; being used in the National Schools. He asks Gray not to deter Bentham from using the system as it is the current vogue & it is hard enough to get government to publish such books for the amateur, & this class of people cares a great deal about terminology. JDH thinks [John] Lindley is correct to refer Podostemons to near Lentibulariaceae though he previously thought their place was with Scrophulariaceae.