E. Bornet 
1871, July 7th 
Rutibes 
TRANSLATION (Original in French) 
Rutibes, July 7, 1871 
Dear Sir, 
Your correspondent, M. H, Thuret died suddenly on May 10th, several hours after 
his arrival at Nice in an apparently good state of health. He died of angina in his 
chest. I don't have to tell you how cruel this loss is for me who has lived with 
him for 25 years and how empty it has made science. I had better answer your letter 
now which you wrote on February 10th since there is nothing one can do. 
All I remember of the Yucca which you sent M. Thuret via the Smithsonian 
Institution have not arrived yet at Antibes and I don't know anything about the 
important things you mention in your letter. 
The Yucca Treculeana & aloifolia are the only ones which fruited in Antibes. 
The first species flowers between the 12th and the 15th of April and the second 
during the first part of July. During these two times the flowers are frequently 
visited by honey bees and bumble bees, but I have still to observe any Tirséide 
at the time I looked at them. 
I have tried artificäal fertilization with Yucca pendule, but without success; 
I was not surprised to see that the anthers did not contain but a small number of 
pollen grains which seemed not to be in good shape, 
I have the honor to send you through M. Decaisne and M. Asa Gray a small package 
containing branches of Cypresses cultivated in the garden of Mr. Thuret, also of 
several kinds of agaves of which I have specimens. Unfortunately, I have no flowers 
nor pods of the Agava Americana. This species never flowered once in the garden, we 
were absent and I could not make any specimens. 
We cultivated the Opuntia cylindrica for many years, but I have never seen it 
flower. I have requested from Nice some flowers in the large catalogue which you 
have sent. It appears to be out of circulation. 
With regard to Opuntia floccosa. I have only one flower cut :long to offer you. 
The plant has not flowered this year. 
The Yucca seeds which you gave Mr. Thuret have grown well; but the ones of 
Opuntia polifera Engelm. have not come out yet. 
Please give my respects to Mrs. Engelmann and my warmest greetings to you. 
Le Bornet. 
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