The Frank N. Meyer collection consists of a typescript, certificate and photographs of Meyer. The typescript contains excerpts from letters between Frank N. Meyer and his supervisor, David Fairchild in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Bureau of Plant Industry, relating to Meyer's plant exploration trip to South China in 1916-1918. Photographs of various botanical specimens are included. The last segment of typescripts concerns Meyer's drowning on June 2, 1918, in the Yangtze River en route to Shanghai. The 1905 certificate identifies USDA plant explorer Frank N. Meyer as an agricultural explorer of the United States Department of Agriculture, who is visiting Manchuria and other part of China for "the purpose of aiding in agricultural development, especially along the line of pomology." A black and white photograph of Meyer has a label which reads "Frank N. Meyer, Agricultural Explorer born November 29, 1875, died June 1, 1918. Returning from a successful raid in the high mountains. Tired but satisfied. Wu Tai Shan, Shansi, China. February 25, 1908. A photograph of Meyer and Fairchild has a label which reads "Frank Meyer (right) converses with renowned plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild. At the young age of 22, Fairchild helped to create the USDA's Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction where he served as chairman from 1904-28. Throughout Meyer's travels, Fairchild was a guiding force, providing insight and support through his letters."