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66.06.19a

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Ferdinand von Mueller to the Editor of the Australasian, 1866-06-19 [66.06.19a]. 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/66-06-19a>, accessed September 11, 2025

1
Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Natural history specimens for Professor Owen', Australasian, 30 June 1866, p. 392 (B66.06.05).
Sir, —
May I request of you the favour to render known through your widely-circulating journal, that the illustrious Professor Owen
2
Richard Owen. See also M to the Editor of the Australasian, 6 August 1866 (in this edition as 66-08-06b).
is anxious to obtain of the Echidna (or so-called Australian Porcupine) female specimens, captured within the next month, with a view of settling some points yet involved in obscurity regarding the fecundation of these animals, and the nutrition of their young at the earlier stages of life. The same wish is expressed by the great anatomist in reference to the Ornithorynchus, or Platypus. Any specimens transmitted will be preliminarily examined in Melbourne, and if found to be of importance for the further elucidation of the physiology of the Monotremata, they will be forwarded to the British Museum in the donor’s name.
FERD. MUELLER.
Melbourne, Botanic Garden, June 19.