Compilation of <i>Musci</i> in <i>Symbolae sinicae</i> in the light of H. Handel-Mazzetti’s letters to V. F. Brotherus

The 40 letters sent by H. Handel-Mazzetti to V. F. Brotherus in 1907–1928 are used to describe the relationship of these two authors, and the compilation work of Musci in Symbolae sinicae. The working methods of these authors is described and the letters commented upon. Notes on the persons with whom Brotherus was in keen cooperation, are presented and extracts from their letters to Brotherus cited. Brotherus was responsible for the identification and descriptions, and Handel-Mazzetti for the phytogeography and ecology, which he translated into German from the original labels in Latin.