Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS annotation by Hooker: 'Send. N. Zealand Flora'.

24/5/64.

My dear Dr Hooker.

The byefollowing small samples of material here extensively used for brushmaking are in reference to their botanical sources unknown to me. I have taken some interest in this subject, as possibly we may have plants here, that could be equally turned to account. Hence may I ask of you to tell me kindly what plants yield these articles? Some of them are said to come from Holland, other from the United States of N. Amer.

2

The specimens were of Attalea funifera and Agave mexicana (see J. Hooker to M, 20 July 1864).

I look forward with much interest to the announced appearance of your manual on N.Z. plants, and can probably send you probably some supplementary notes from my rather extensive collections. As Mr Bentham holds still (I believe) a small balance for me, perhaps you will kindly arrange, that I get the work by the mail whenever the volume of the phanerogamae is out.

3

J. Hooker (1864-7), part 1.

I am glad to observe that your venerable father maintains his health so well. May providence grant him a long life still & an undisturbed serenity through the late autumn of his life.