RKBP-157

Lawn Ridge, Marshall Co., Ill., Feb. 26th. 1857-

Dr. Kennicott.

Dear Sir.

I improve the first opportunity of acknowledging the reception of your communication - Jan. 30th - and the accompanying catalogue. Our mail is received by way of Lacon; and such has been the condition of the river and roads, in consequence of heavy rains, that it is nearly three weeks since we have been able to mail any letters.

Please accept my thanks for your valuable catalogue, which I shall preserve for reference, and in which, some plants are mentioned that I shall endeavor to procure, at some favorable opportunity.

It will be seven years, next spring, since my first arrival in Illinois, and my first attempt at farming: and quite likely, my efforts are more creditable in the motive, than in their results.

An instinctive love for the works of nature, has ever led me to hold in the

highest esteem, those who are engaged in developing the energies and resources of the vegetable kingdom.

It is, doubtless, partly by way of encouragement, that you gave such a favorable reception to my essay, which was my first attempt of the kind.

Permit me to express my gratitude for your kindess, and earnest desires for your continued usefulness and prosperity.

With sentiments of respect and esteems, I am

Yours truly,

Orlando Ordway.

P.S. Have you any seends of the Eternal Flower? (Xeranthemum Annuum.)

You will find some postage stamps enclosed for a paper of the seed. If you have none, will you oblige me by sending some mixed seed of the Annual Larkspur?

O.O.