We are intending to go to Milwaukee tonight—to return Sunday night. I finished my study of the island planting yesterday and shall have [572]written out instructions for Ulrich and prepared purchasing & collecting lists tonight. I have then the outer shores and other plant matters to take up. I think that by Wednesday or Thursday we shall be ready to start for Kansas City. Back here probably by the 17th. I doubt if I shall stay for the Grand Panjandrum but I may find other matters there pressing and have to stay a day or two. The artist heads are working very hard. Harry, Burnham, Millet were out at half past five yesterday having been working late the night before. Burnham is being beaten in regard to the dedicatory arrangements, which are not to be very judiciously considered.

I suppose that I shall be starting for Biltmore soon after my return. Please see that Manning’s work on the planting plan is well done and that he needs no instruction.

I am tolerably well. Neuralgia and noise prevent my sleeping steadily but I get four or five hours on an average and do not feel that I am losing ground tho’ certainly not gaining.

Affectionately