UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE 
PLANT QUARANTINE BRANCH 
WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 
{foveaiber 30. 1955 
Mr. Bale E. ¥olf 
E. I. (Ill Pont de Neoottrs & Co. 
Orasselli Cheraicals Ifepartment 
landing 268, Ejqperiraent Station 
Wilialngton, 
Dear Mr. Wolf: 
Dr. Waldb L. Schiaitt, Head Curator, Department of Zoology, 
U. S. National Wiseum, has fumiahed this of flee a copy of 
his letter of Noveraber 25 to Mr, A. S. Bjomson of tli« 
do Pont Cofflpany. In it he offered to turn over to your 
flna certain soil samples he collected in Africa during the 
past spring and which are now in the possession of this 
office . 
We are sure you understand the concern of the D, S. Depart- 
ment of Agriculture over the introduction of foreign soils 
and especially those which have been collected at or mar 
the earth*s surface. Such collections are capable of 
carrying various harmful organisms which may attack both 
animal and plant life. For that reason we would i^preclate 
your assurance that the soil smples which Dr. Schmitt 
wishes us to turn over to you will be used with all necessary 
precautions and will finally be incinerated or sterilised 
when they have served their purpose. Dpon our receiving such 
assurance from you, the saagjles will be released for delivery. 
Very truly yours, 
W, H. Wheeler, Head 
Nursery Stock Section 
Gc: 
Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt 
