Eichler, A. 

 1869» June 7th 

 Munich, Germany 



TRANSLATION Munich, 7th June I869 



Dear Sir, 



Professor Asa Gray who has given us the pleasure of his visit for several days, 

 has the kindness to forward this letter to you and to give his recommendation 

 to my request. 



We have talked about the Flora Brasiliensis and that the late Geheimrat von Martius 

 has left the continuation of this to me and which has been secured by contracts with the 

 Brazilian government. I mentioned to Professor Gray that one of the families which 

 would cause me the greatest difficulties would be Cactaceae and asked him whether he 

 would belle ve that you, dear Sir, might be Willing to take over this family. I was very 

 happy to hear from him that he not only thought this possible, but quite probable and 

 that should I make such a request to you, he would be Willing to support me in this. 

 Therefore, I take the liberty to off er this family to you. It will not be very easily 

 possible to help you with much material from Brasil; however, perhaps your previous 

 studies on the cactaceae already gave you sufficient insight with regard to the Brazilian 

 representatives of this family. In an^; event, should you be Willing to undertake this, 

 I shall be Willing to send you all the material I can possibly obtain. 



Since it will take several more years to complete the Flora Brasiliensis, we 

 would not be in a great hurry to receive your work and I should be completely 

 satisfied if this work could be done within J-^ years. 



Needless to say, that all expenses arising out of this work will be taken care of 

 by me. Also, should you wish it, I would be Willing to make an advance payment to you 

 for this work. 



Should you not entirely refuse to work on this family for the Flora Brasiliensis, 

 please let me know so that we can make special detailed arrangements. These arrange- 

 ments could be more easily made if you (as Professor Gray gave us hope) would entertain 

 the idea of visiting Munich this summer. I don't have to say how much I should 

 enjoy to make your personal acquaintance at that occasion. 



The fact that I offer you the cactaceae was because the late Martius mentioned 

 several times that he had this idea; this idea was supported by Professor Braun. In 

 any e^ent, it only seems natural; you won't consider it just empty flattery if I teil 

 you that I am convinced that nobody but you could make this family better and that 

 science will owe you great thanks in case you should take this on. 



Meeting Professor Gray was meeting a most gracious, knowledgeable man whom I 

 shall always remember. Unfortunately, he intends to leave us already tomorrow; however. 



