Bolle, Carl 
1878, August 13th 
Berlin, Germany 
TRANSLATION 
Berlin, 13th August 1878 
Dear Doctor, 
Several matters, some distressing, which used up my time for months, made 
my correspondence fall behind and probably gave me a reputation in your 
eyes as that of a negligent letter writter. Please let me ask for your forgive- 
ness. Your shipment of elm seeds arrived here safely and I am extremely 
grateful to you. The planting was a tremendous success and thanks to your 
kindness the Ulmus americana could be introduced into Germany. The seeds 
germinated here and as far as 1 planted them, they grew successfully. We 
have distributed 1000 seedlings--of course mentioning your name-- and received 
the pleasant news of the happy development. The seedlings were sent to 
friends in various places in Germany, Norway, East Prussia and Vienna. A 
large quantity I planted myself; some I gave to friends owning tree nurseries 
in and near Berlin, the bulk, however, is in the Imperial Landesbaumschule 
at Sanssouci and will be distributed from there. You see, my dear doctor, 
that your kindness caused a great deal of satisfaction in wide circles. As soon 
as I learn more about this beautiful elm I shall make a report about it, which 
was already tentatively delivered during the meetings of our Tree Committee, 
of which I have the honor to be, a member. | 
Of Ulmus fulva only two plants sprouted in Potsdan, and none at my place 
last summer. You can imagine my joy to discover this spring that from a seed 
pod almost lost, at least a dozen germinated, of which the most were planted, 
are living and grow steadily. The seeds of U; fulva, therefore, do survive 
or least could do so under most circumstances. An interesting fact, the more 
so, since one always attributed a very short time to the live elm seed. 
As you can see, only favorable things can be said regarding last year's 
shipment. Of this spring's shipment, only a relatively small percentage 
germinated. In any event, the new species are now won for Germany and even 
beyond that. 
I, furthermore, have to thank you for sending me your papers concerning 
American oaks, Yucca etc. Everything you write is of great interest to nme. 
My interest in North American trees is very great since I have a large collection 
of them in cultivation on my estate Scharfenberg and they grow there splendidly. 
For Ficea Engelmani I have a special liking which surpasses a mere botanical 
interest, since it makes me realize, gratefully, that I have a personal 
eonneetion with its godfather. Unfortunately, my tree of this is very little. 
P. Douglesii was only 3' high when I planted it and measures now 50. 
| BE BE BE BE N EZ 
0 1 2 er 5:6 / 8 9 10  Mıssourı 
. | BOTANICAL 
cm | copyright reserved GARDEN 
