From Hermann Müller   25 September 1878

My dear Sir,

I must write a few lines to thank you for your kind letter which has very much rejoiced myself, and for your efforts to effect the translation of my book: “Die Befruchtung etc.”¹

The last five years I have been occupied collecting observations on Alpine flowers and their fertilisation by insects. But now unfortunately our vacancies have been altered in such a manner (beginning not before the midst of August) that I must renounce on further successful excursions into the Alps.² My this year excursion, from August 14 to Sept. 12 has had but very poor results.

I have therefore resolved now to work up the observations hitherto collected and then to publish my work on Alpine flowers and their fertilisation by insects.³

Having finished this work I will return to biological observations of Insects and then I will take all possible pains in order to repeat and complete your admirable observations on the regular travels of humble bees which you have communicated with me some years ago.⁴

With the most sincere respect | Yours | very faithfully | Hermann Müller.