Document information

Physical location:

Handskr. Avdl., Universitetsbibliotek, Lund, Sweden. 83.09.21

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

J. Bracebridge Wilson to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1883-09-21. 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/83-09-21>, accessed September 11, 2025

C. of E. Grammar School, Geelong, Sept. 21 1883
My dear Baron von Mueller
I cannot thank you too gratefully for the kindness you have shown me in many ways — but especially for forwarding my
Algae

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to Prof. Agardh, and for so promptly communicating to me the results of his examination thereof.
1
See also M to J. Agardh, 23 September 1883, with which M forwarded Wilson's letter to Lund.
I am indeed much gratified and encouraged by finding that so many have proved to be new. In looking carefully through the list I find that there is a new genus and no less than eleven new species — while the professor notes sixteen varieties of known species, and specially desires more specimens of seventeen plants indicated.
This will give an immense impulse to my holiday researches if I am spared.
From my observations of the young forms of Gloiosaccion I think there will prove to be two species now included in G. Brownii nos. 14 & 15 — and I strongly suspect the plant spoken of by Prof. Ag. as probably a small form of the Tasmanian
Chrysymenia Meredithiana

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will prove to be new.
I hope to add sponges to Bryozoa and
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as objects of my dredging cruises – and have written to a writer whose papers on sponges appear in the Annals and Magazine of Natural History for his directions as to the best mode of preparing and transmitting them in the condition best fitted for examination.
My work in connection with fossil Bryozoa has also not been unrewarded. You will see by the last number of the proceedings of the London Geological Society that out of a collection I presented to that institution there were 18 species new to science.
2
Waters (1883).
I have never lost sight of the doubtful
Potamogeton

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but have paid it several visits. I will take an early opportunity to trace the creek upwards to ascertain if the same plant occurs in other places.
Believe me with many and sincere thanks
Yours very faithfully
J Bracebridge Wilson
The Alg no. 27 (Chrysymenia) was when first gathered a most exquisite play of iridescent colours – gold & green mingling with rich violet, brown & red.
I will do what I can to find some upcountry observers.