Decaisne, J. Rec. October 15 Ans. October 16 



Gardenof Plants Muséum ofNatural History Paris My 27, 1866 



My dear friend, 



I delivered to Mr. Borange, just as you asked me to do, a small box containing flowers, capsules and a few of 

 the 30 samples from the herbarium at Michaux or firom ours. The box had the address of the Smithsonian 

 Institute in Washington- for Dr. Engelmann, St. Louis, Missouri. I hope that this Pandora's box will have 

 arrived and that it will allow you to continue your work. The solution to your doubts in regards the 

 resemblance of certains species, may be resolved. I also hope that thèse small fragments will contribute to 

 perfect the Monograph that you are preparing. 



The seeds of your Callitriche Austini or a variety thereof did not germinate. I would like to ask you for more. 

 They had been planted with great care. Now that you are in the country could you please obtain for me some 

 seeds of your American plants? A few years ago I requested thèse. In the past there were some articles in New 

 York that advertised plants of the United States but it has been a few months since I have heard of them. It is 

 through there intermediaries that the botanical gardens supply themselves of rustic plants from north America. 

 At this time I do not know whom I should address myself too. I beg you to come to my aide, by giving me the 

 address of some botanists or gardeners that would like to communicate with me weather for pay or for 

 exchange. There are a certain number of American plants that I would like, for example the Symplocarpus, 

 Orantium aquaticum, Prosantes, Melanthium, Zygadenus, Amianthemum, Xerophylla, Chamalium. AU of 

 thèse présent with spécial characteristics. In regards to the grasses, I was happy to have been able to cultivate 

 here the unusual type of ? Duchloe, Monanthochloe, and a muhitude of other types: Caconobea, 

 Caulophyllum, etc. 



This year I hope to finish the big job that I undertook with Mr.Lechaint in regards the Botanical Atlas. I 

 published ail the analyses of the plants that I made after having studied them with care and after having placed 

 them in harmonious order. It is an enormous undertaking and it will also be my botanical testament. While 

 waiting for my death please send me some seeds!. 



Mr. Weber, the specialist in Mexican Cacti, gave me signs that he had been on the Mexican expédition. I had 

 hoped to receive a beautiful collection of Cacti from him however I received absolutely nothing. 



Goodbye, stay well, be happy and always receive my best wishes. 



J. Decaisne 



