Ferdinand von Mueller

29/3/81

It is a strange coincidence, dear Mr Fawcett, that I just thought of writing to you, when your very kind and thoughtful letter arrived. The last 5 or 6 months I had so much extrawork for the Exhibition,

1

International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1880-1.

that I could give no attention to even official Departmental matters, unless of urgency, and thus my correspondence got altogether into arrear.

But if I did not write, I did think of you, and often too , as I was daily reminded of your generous interest in the N.SW. edition of the select plants.

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B81.01.04.

To day I learn, that Sir Henry Parkes has kindly acted on your disinterested suggestion, and 100 copies of the work are forwarded to me, after I had already some presentation copies before. This gracious gift enables me to place the book on behalf of the N.S.W. Government into many Libraries abroad.

I am sorry, you cannot come to the Exhibition, altho', after the previous grand display in Sydney,

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International Exhibition, Sydney, 1879.

the worlds fair here has perhaps not so much attraction, as otherwise would have been the case. Had you come, I would have shown you every attention, altho' unfortunately I have not even a room for a friend in the small temporary dwelling, which I occupy for my O ffice work and where actually my bedroom is my writing place.

Sir Joseph Hooker has just figured the Wistaria (Milletia

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Millettia?

) megasperma in the bot Magazine,

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J. Hooker (1865-1904), vol. 107, t. 6541 (issued 1 February 1881).

as it flowered this year for the first time in Kew. The one with smaller fruits (seeds), of which we never got the flowers yet, will probably remain unattainable until you get back into your favorite haunts of the Richmond River

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NSW.

When you see Sir Henry Parkes, kindly thank the honorable Gentleman for his generosity anew shown.

It is certainly conducive to diseminating knowledge on rural objects, if the work, as suggested by you is placed into every Mechanics Institute & free Library in New South Wales and if the Editors of all the Newspapers of your colony receive it.

It will be to me great pleasure to revise your list of the plants of the Richmond-River, which to gather you spent so much time and exertions. Major Richards deserves much credit for the quick & splendid manner in which he brought out the new edition. Trusting, dear Mr Fawcett, that you are happy and well, I remain your regardful

Can I do anything for you?