From E. W. Black   13 August 1877

Respected Sir:

enclosed please find specimens of flowers of the common American milk-weed, (Asclepias Syriaca) with entrapped insects, which may be of interest to you on account of its bearing on the habits of plants in regard to fertilization, and hence on the theory of Evolution.¹ As you will observe, the insects are of different species—although, from the lateness of the season, my specimens are rather meagre—and I have repeatedly seen many kinds not herein represented hanging dead to the flowers of this plant, and among them even the ingenious and comparatively stout hive-bee. (Apis Mellifica)² The Bitter-Root or Jordian Hemp, a plant with closely similar flowers, has the same habit though it appears less successful in affecting a capture, as the victims are far more rare than in the case of the former plant.³ They are both quite common here, abounding in moist places in both high- and lowlands. Should you desire to communicate in regard to anything in this part of the world I will be happy to inform you on any subject of which I may have any knowledge.

Hoping to hear from you soon in regard to the bearing of the specimens on the above theory, etc., I remain, | Your Obedient Servt., | E. Willson Black.