Po seiger 7*16.1855 



Only on the third day or later appears a tiny split, and 

 only after 2-3 weeks do the cotyledons stand out, so that they 

 can be recos-nized. , Even with the Bchinopsies is this still very 

 difficult. Somwhat easier it is with most Echinocacti and Ce-ei . 

 Here, however, I believe, the exceptions will be found, to whieft the 

 circumstance seens to point, that specially with <gerej specific 

 seeds gerninate with 3 ootyledons not too rarely. . - Further, I be- 

 lieve, that not too great a value should be laid on the shape, co- 

 lor and conditio^ of the surface of seeds, as these factors can be 

 found frequently as variable und er exact examinatiorr (for one and 

 the sarae species) as the flower, spines, and all the other parts 

 of the cacti», 



You accuse rae, to Ädhave poorly used favorable opportunities 



to make good diagnoses, and I agree completely with this reproach, 



though I did not expect it in such a sharp form fron you- I had to 



make this fcfetai accusation. myself with the greatest regret. Unfortu- 



nately, I can not cite anything eise, than that I an not a botanist, 



and that the publication was ny first attempt in this field; that I 



further was separated through travelling nisfortunes fron my baggage 



on ny Mexican trip, being totally without scientific resources , 



and that I could compare. complete, and. adjust all these diagnoses 



only in Europa itself.. t Though the possibility is ever more dimi - 



nishing, it is my fondest wish to make another trip to Mexico; then 



much 



I would nroceed much slower a"d with/greater profit for me and hope- 

 fully for science. 



When you say, that I went too far in. Dostulating varieties 

 of one and the sane species, you may certainly be correct, only, the 

 exemples, which you mention, are not very appropriate, to refute my 

 ideas; quite contrary, I can say, that, as far as I was able, to 





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