Vassar College,
May 30, 1872.
My dear Mamma,
The package reached me safely yesterday aft. and now, my first
opportunity, I write to say how grateful I am for your kindness and
trouble on my account. The waist is very pretty Indeed and beautifully
tucked. I don't care very much how the sleeves are made. If Carrie
Is willing she might tuck them, and I will cut them oat whatever shape I
please, after they come. Otherwise I will make them plain, remember that I have a very lengthy arm. It is only four weeks before school closes and less than that before the concert, so that I fear you will not be able to get them here In time, but I hope so, as it will be troublesome to match the muslin. The dress is very pretty indeed. But I am afraid that Carrie will need it more than I. We have little need of party dresses here.
 The paper is very acceptable and It Is so like my own dear Mama
to think of it. I don't know, though, what I can find to fill up many sheets of it. "Times are dull," at present. We soon begin reviews and then it is nothing but dig. But as of old, I never dig very much or very hard.
Yesterday morning I received a note from Johan Swenson saying
that he had forwarded the parcel from New York, so I was not mach sur-
prised at its appearance.
Miss Haskell, our Botany teacher is very kind, giving me speci-
mens for my Herbarium (which, by the way has not yet been purchased). Specimens which are not quite common, for return I wish she could have
some of our southern flowers. Would It be possible for you to get and
press some without too much trouble? Magnolias, etc.
I shall be very glad indeed to Invite Mrs. Swenson to our Commencement, but fear the exercises will get be sufficiently interesting to pay for the trouble and expense it will occasion her. Carriage here to and from the College Is outrageous at all times, sad particularly so the last week. Yet I will make the attempt. Perhaps she may think the scenery on the river worth coming up for.
 This is a wretched scrawl but still it mast be entrusted to Uncle
Sam's care.

With mach love
Your loving
Julie.