Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M35, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 63.01.28

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Frederick McCoy, 1863-01-28. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id/63-01-28>, accessed April 20, 2025

Phillip Island 28/1/63
Dear Prof. MacCoy.
Whilst staying here in company of Dr Black & Mr Griffith
1
Thomas Black and C. J. Griffith.
a fisherman caught a large fish, which no one here seems to have seen before & which was purchased by Mr M'Haffie. Thinking that it may be a novelty to the ichthyology of Victoria, I skinned the animal, the meat being served for the table by Mrs M'Haffie & proved of most excellent taste & flavor.
For preserving the skin we used a solution of Bichlorid of Mercury and Salt. Mr Griffith made a sketch of the fish, which is herewith transmitted.
2
Sketch not found.
Dr Black thinks it is identical with the New Zealand Groaper
A small other fish caught simultaneously is like wise transmitted, as it seems to be rare. Should either of these be worthless for your museum, I would be very glad to send them to Prof. Dumeril, who is anxious to add to the Australian collection of fishes in the Museum d'histoire naturelle of Paris
Very regardfully yours
Ferd. Mueller
3
See also F. McCoy to M, 20 February 1863 (in this edition as 63-02-20a), in which McCoy identifies the fish as the 'not very uncommon' Sciaena aquila. See also M to E. Henderson, 1 March 1863 (in this edition as 63-03-01a), in which M relates McCoy's identification, adding that the fish is 'occasionally seen'.