SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 
UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
March 19, 1931 
Dr. Alexander Wetmore, 
c/o American Consul 
Dear Dr. Wetmore: 
I have just had a talk with Mr. Maxon today, in which 
he brought up the case of Dr. Ekman and the five bundles of 
plant specimens which he had prepared to send to this Institu¬ 
tion, but which following his death were sent to Sweden. Mr. 
Maxon is very anxious to take preliminary steps to find whether 
it will not be possible to obtain these plants at the price 
which had been previously paid Dr. Ekman for other specimens. 
This price was fifteen (15^) cents per specimen, and Mr. Maxon 
estimates that there are probably three or four thousand speci¬ 
mens in the five bundles. Mr. Maxon further states that In all 
probability, the negotiations could not be made in time to pay 
for them out of this year's appropriation, so it will probably 
be a matter to figure on for next fiscal year. 
Mr. Maxon stated that we could either take this matter. 
up through the Danish Minister or he could first write to the 
Swedish botanist, who is a good friend of his and who could 
probably indicate something regarding these shipments. The 
matter may be more or less delicate because Dr. Ekman may have 
exceeded his contract in sending plants to the Institution pre¬ 
viously. 
I understand that you have given this subject some con¬ 
sideration, and I would he very glad to be guided by your views 
in the matter, first as to whether the subject should be taken 
up at all, and if so, just what approach should be made. In the 
meantime, we will not take any action until we hear from you. 
Very truly your 
