From Adolf Reuter   30 May 1869

Sir,

You will be very astonished to receive a letter from a person, which has not the honour to be acquainted with you in any way, but I hope also you will excuse me, when I tell you the reason for what I took me liberty, to address this letter to you.—

Reading your very interesting and celebrated book on the species formation and animals and plants variation in the domestication,¹ I thought that it would be perhaps agreeable to you, when I did send you also some similar examples, confirming your great Ideas:—

I am Gardener longer then 25 years, I was nearly 5 years in other’ countrys, at Liege in Mr. Jacob-Makoy’s nursery, at Gand in Mr. van Houtte’s;² some time in France and longer then a year I was employed at Kew in the Royal Bot. Garden; I was always so happy to be working in the propagating houses.

Returned of my voyage, I have been employed 13 years in our Royal nursery for trees and shrubs &c. and in the same time I was obliged to give lessons our young gardeners, so that I did find very much occasion to study the nature of plants and collect experiences; now I am two years employed as Gardener of His Majesty the King.³

Sir, I know it very well that I am immodest to molest such a Gentleman as you with my simply knowledge, but because you are relating often in your celebrated books of English and french Gardening, so I thought it would be perhaps interesting for you to receive also some communication of German Gardening.

I should be glad indeed, when you would be so kind by giving me the permission to send you some examples of my small experience and so I hope to have the honour to receive some words like an answer.—

With my very best respects and assuring you of my attraction at all times | I am dear Sir | Your obedient servant | Ad. Reuter

Your honourable answer may be addressed so

Ad. Reuter | Gardener of His Majesty | SansSouci | near Potsdam (Prussia.)