Decaisne, J. Rec. May 23 



Muséum of Natural History 



Paris May 5, 1860 



Sir and very dear coUeague, 



I have just received your three excellent and beautiful brochures on the Cacti, on the species of the gender 

 Ciiscuta and on the interesting Graminacee common in the United States. Please receive my profound and 

 sincère thanks. 



Permit me also to profit of this occasion to remind you of the request that I made to you during your stay in 

 Paris, in regards the American Cuscutacees. You know that at the Muséum we actively study this family that 

 not only arrived with the dessicated samples but also with their living plants that I am observing at the moment. 

 In the garden we already have some American species, for example the Sicyos angulata, the Sycidium 

 Liendheimeri, the Sicyosperma gracile and the Echinocystis fabacea, new species from Califomia of which 

 we recently sent seeds to Mr. Asa Gray. But we still need many more such as the Discanthera (Cyclanthera) 

 difusa. Among thèse plants, and because of their native climate, there are some that would grow well in France. 

 We would be very thankful if you would be so kind as to send us some good seeds, Also some seeds of the 

 Chamaerops hystrix, as we only have one sample in the Muséum, would also be welcome as also some seeds 

 from the différent Cacti that you grow. 



Please do me the honor, my dear colleague, of giving my regards to Mrs. Engelmann and add to thèse my most 

 aflfectionate and distinguished wishes for you. 



J. Decaisne 



