I expect you will be surprised to hear from me under the above heading; but I have not felt so well for some time past, and thought I would try some place where the thermometer does not average so high as at New Orleans, and the mosquitoes are not so large and numerous.

I consider this a very beautiful city to live in. I had almost said to die in - but I trust I shall not put it to any such test yet awhile.

The plants in the Capitol grounds have almost grown out of my memory in three years. A very interesting day could be spent there by anyone loving arboriculture, particularly for ornamental purposes.

I have never seen the grounds around the Agricultural Department look so well. Several improvements have been perfected since I was here last, and others are under way.

Congratulations are pouring in from all quarters on the worthy Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, W. R. Smith, on his convalescence from his recent severe illness - which, of course, all his friends will be delighted to hear.

I notice in the Orchid house some pretty things in bloom. Cypripedium Laurencianum, C. ciliare, C. superbiens and others; Oncidium sarcodes, and O. hastata; Dendrobium tortile roseum, D. moschatum, Cattleya Gaskelliana, Maxillaria graminia. A fine piece of Epidendrum Odoratissimum, with seven spikes, that perfumed the whole house; Vanda suavis, Vanda tricolor formosa, and Vanda teres - two good pieces.

Some fine specimen plants, particularly Palms in tubs, are standing outside the grounds for the summer. This is a good way. One can see them so much better than when crowded together in the house. And how they seem to enjoy a shower!