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Dr. C. FARRON
Curator of Plant Collections
University Botanical Institute
P.O. Box 246
CH – 4009 BASLE

Herbarium of nongerminative seeds and other diaspores

Dear [Name]

As you are perhaps aware, we have established a museum-type seed and fruit collection in Basle. At the present time (January 1980) it contains about 13,000 species represented by 25,000 items, i.e. the greater part of the species readily available by exchange between botanical gardens throughout the world. The great problem with these garden seeds is their accurate identification. We can proceed only by direct comparison or, to a lesser degree, by sowing them and subsequently observing the seedlings or the adult plant.

Your name and your current research project are listed in:

□ A.E.T.F.A.T. Bulletin
□ Current projects on the Mediterranean flora
□ Taxon
□ Love, I.O.P.B. chromosome Reports
□ Seed Catalogue of Botanic Garden
□ Article(s) in

We therefore assume that you deal with seeds or other diaspores in your research work. As a specialist in a particular family or geographical unit, would you be willing to help us in reidentifying some of our seed material? If so, perhaps you would be so kind as to identify your particular field.

We are particularly anxious to complete our seed and fruit collection. Would it be possible for you to send us, together with the usual data, any seed material on which you have completed your research and which you would otherwise throw away? Copies of herbaria and fruit or fruit parts that would help us towards accurate identification would also be very welcome. We shall take good care of your material and undertake not to publish anything that touches on your current work. Any material should be sent by ordinary surface mail to the above address.

Many thanks in advance.

Yours sincerely,
[Signature]