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I don't expect to receive from Doctor Asa Gray many of his plants, but he has made me a 

 gift of a number of his works that for me is a wonderfui surprise. I will also do everything 

 I can to satisfy his desires. On arriving in Alexandria he sent my ietter to Dr. Gaillard that 

 I had written him this year with the hope that it could be useful to him as a physician and 

 a botanist. But Mr Gray only spent a few moments with him. He departed for Cairo where 

 he had to be with a supply of paper so that he could pack some plants. I hope he made 

 good use of thèse. Mr. Gaillard wrote me that Mr Gray won't be delayed and will return 

 soon;he hopes to compensate us with his time even if his visit is very short. Unfortunately 

 Alexandria and its surroundings only are interesting to those who are interested in 

 business. 



I have just added to my collection some Vitis that are not remarkable. The only French 

 sample I own is of Vitis vinifera (sylvestri). It was given to me by Mr Boreau, who said 

 that it came from the flora of central France, growing in hedges of Ash, and in bushes, 

 mainly in the valleys of the Loire and the Allier. It cannot be found in Normandy. I don't 

 believe it is original from France but has been naturalized since time immémorial. I have 

 a sample found on the shores of the Eurotar by one of the members of the scientific 

 convolution, who was sent to Moree about forty years ago. I collected only a few of the 

 cultivated spécimen. I have four or five Vitis from the United States, among others the 

 Labrusca. From Japan and Indonesia I received Oriental jade that was not in good 

 condition. 



I will be more likely to satisfy your needs in regards the Cornifera and the 

 Euphorbiacea. I am happy to know of your préférence for those two interesting families, 

 of which there are a great number, mostly of the latter one, in New Caledonia. It has an 

 unusual and remarkable flower. I am awaiting for the arrivai in a few days of Mr Vieillard, 

 who is returning with a number of packages filled with precious discoveries that he made 

 in our colony. As soon as his research has begun, my wife will continue with the 

 distribution to the various muséums and their scholars. She will also be in charge of your 

 portion, and you can be sure that she will take great care of it. Please tell me in gênerai 

 terms, which plants you désire. They may have to corne from other countries. In regards 

 the Cuscuta I do not believe the number I have hasincreased since you sent me some. 

 Other plants from New Caledonia are disposable, would they give you pleasure?. Please 

 tell me without réservation, ail what could be agréable to you and remember that for me it 

 would be a great pleasure each time you ask me to satisfy your needs. 

 I could send you a package at the end of the year. I will send it together with the one that 

 goes to our compatriots. I will send it with the help of the Smithsonian Institute. From now 

 until then ail my time will be taken in the examination of the New Caledonian plants.and in 

 the préparation of a large quantity of Australian Algae that I have just received. and of 

 the ones I am waiting for from California. As they have been placed in fresh air, it will be 

 very easy to rescucitate them by placing them in water and giving them the care that they 

 deserve. 



I hope that you will correspond with me before you départ for America. While waiting, 

 dear Sir, please accept my affectionate and devout sentiments. 



René Lenormand 



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