Melbourne bot Garden
24/5/64.
My dear Sir William
I have to thank you for an other kind letter you honored me with by last mail. I am
glad that I am still occasionally able to add to your collection of ferns some trifles,
by which the knowledge of the extent of the species becomes advanced. The two Lycopodia
now sent & new to the flora of Australia, altho' identical (as far as I can judge)
with Indian ones will be interesting to you, should you in your new work (the synopis)
include the
.
The synopsis will, I presume, serve to a certain extent as a supplement to the species
filicum.
It is truely wonderful to see you working so productively on your ferns and many
other plants and I admire the noble zeal which prompts you to commence a new publication.
Mr Dallachy, now stationed in the coast regions of N E Australia, is likely to bring
to knowledge many additional ferns.
May I remind you of my Carices? As poor Booth
is dead & no one likely to continue his work, I should be glad to have the small
collection back again to fill up the chasm in the public collection. As regards the
ferns you may deem it preferable to retain perhaps the collection for successive inspection
of the parcels; but as most of the species are in all their forms so well known to
you & thus the specimens only afford occasionally new information on locality perhaps
you might kindly arrange (if it can be done with perfect convenience) that I receive
back the main-lot soon.
There is of course in my Museum frequent occasion to consult the collection, as ferns
are such general favorites with the Ladies. However I do by no means urge the early
return of the specimens.
With the warmest wishes for your health & with constant cordial attachment
I remain dear Sir William, yours,
Ferd. Mueller
