Document information
Physical location:
Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde, Stuttgart. 79.03.05Preferred Citation:
F. Kilner to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1879-03-05. 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/79-03-05>, accessed September 11, 2025
1
Filed with M to F. von Krauss, 19 March 1879. MS annotation: 'A Gavial Crocodil'.
Rockhampton
2
Qld.
5th March 1879
Dear Baron
About a fortnight ago I received your letter of the 3rd January
asking me if I could procure a specimen of an alligator for a friend of yours in
Germany — I heard of two in Town, so I got a friend who is a judge to look at them
for me — He approved of one as a good specimen 9 ft 6 Inches long for which £10 was
wanted. After some haggling I induced the owner to reduce the price to £8 when I immediately
afterwards sent you a telegram about it. You replied and said you thought £5 was enough
for it.
3
Letter not found.
4
Telegrams not found.
I really think this specimen is cheap at £8 when you consider the trouble there is
in getting alligators and the trouble and expense to prepare them.
The fishermen say they want £30 for a specimen over 20 feet in length – for one 25
feet long they want £35 You might get one cheaper further North say at Townsville
or Cooktown, but you may have a long time to wait before you can get one.
5
MS annotation by M: 'nicht wahrscheinlich' [not probable].
I will write to Fitzallen who is I believe still at Bowen
Hoping you are enjoying good health
I remain Dear Baron
Yours truly
Kilner
Baron Mueller
Melbourne