From Hermann Müller   12 November 1869

My dear Sir!

I have bestowed the last two summers upon observing the insects frequenting and fertilising our flowers. The bees being of eminent importance for the fertilisation of flowers, I have employed my principal attention in observing, collecting, and determinating them, but although I have extricated positively by far the greatest part of Westfalian species, many forms are still left which I cannot find in conformity with any description in my works on bees. Therefore it is my lively desire to hear the opinion of your highest authority, Mr. Frederick Smith, of the British Museum, o⁠⟨⁠n⁠⟩⁠ my yet ind⁠⟨⁠etermi⁠⟩⁠ned species.

Without the judgement of such an authority I should run the risk to publish some species as new ones, which are already described in any work unknown to me.

The domicil of Mr. Fr. Smith being unknown to me, I beg you, to deliver up to him the enclosed letter and to recommand my purpose.¹

I am ready to send to Mr. Smith a collection of the Westfalian species of bees as complete as I have collected them, if such a collection would be of any value for the British Museum.²

I hope that you will be so kind and to oblige me on this head.

With sincere respect I remain my dear Sir | yours very faithfully | H Müller.