From G. M. Asher   14 February 1878

Dear Sir

You will perhaps remember that you expressed a wish to have some specimens of Russian steppe wheat.¹ I forwarded your wish to the govenor of Saratoff M^r. Galkine; and now hear to my surprise that a box three feet long, is at Petersburgh. I shall forward it to you when I get it; and take the liberty of making two requests: First to be allowed to call upon you when the box arrives, in order to explain its contents which else would be useless; and secondly, that you write a few words, in French if possible, or in German or if you do not write those languages (but I suppose you do) in English to thank M^r. Galkine-Wrasky, governor of ⁠⟨⁠Sar⁠⟩⁠atoff for his readiness to comply with your wish; adding if possible, a photograph with your signature. I should very greatly thank y for doing so. The fact is that I have had a very serious quarrel with the Gentleman in question, and ⁠⟨⁠that⁠⟩⁠ he has nevertheless done what I begged him to do.² The box will arrive in about a fortnight.

Dr Sir | Faithfully Ys | D^r. G. M. Asher