Botanic Garden, Cambridge, Mass., September 20, 1886.
My dear Dana,—Well! “the books” have just come.
I suppose you are in no hurry for notices of them, and would prefer short ones....
I rather like to do such things incog., as in the “Nation,” in which I sometimes take a shot at this or that.
I and wife are well,—very.
Had a week in Old Oneida, which still looks natural. I am grinding away at “Flora,” and probably shall be found so doing when I am called for.
Very well! I have a most comfortable and happy old age. Wishing you the same,
Yours ever,
A. Gray.
TO J. D. HOOKER.
Cambridge, September 15, 1886.