Document information

Physical location:

RBG Kew, Kew correspondence, Australia, Mueller, 1882-90, f. 73. 83.12.03

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Joseph Hooker, 1883-12-03. 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/83-12-03>, accessed May 13, 2025

1
MS annotation 'And JDH'.
Mt. Macedon
2
Vic.
3/12/83.
Merely a few lines from this locality, dear Sir Joseph, where I have gone to seek restoration of my health. Since about 3 months I suffer from a severe Bronchial catarrh; there is some emphysema and thickening of the mucous membranes. As the hot weather sets in, I may recover; but with my hereditary disposition to Phthisis it is doubtful. Since I left the garden, I had to live, poor as I am and heavily taxed, in small unhealthy Officerooms, and I did no longer get the invigorating daily exercises, which I had in the garden, to preserve my health.
I have written an article here for Uhlworm & Behrens "bot. Central-Blatt,"
3
B84.04.05.
vindicating Bentham's and your authority-rights, to the species which you from one genus to an other (indicated as) transposed, a right which by A.D.C. latest brochure
4
A. de Candolle (1883).
is called into question.
This locality is poor in plants; nor dare I go far, as the exertion would chill the air-passages notwithstanding a respirator. I noticed however here for the first time
Centunculus minimus

Search for Centunculus minimus in

, altho' Prof. Tate had it recently also from one place in S.A.
5
See M to R. Tate, 1 December 1883 (in this edition as 83-12-01a).
I hope Mr Bentham, after some mental rest, will feel revigorated again as the spring sets in with you. Chevreul is still active at 97, so B. ought to cheer up. When you see the venerable Gentleman, give him the expression of my best wishes for his recovery
Regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller
The person, who styles himself Director here,
6
William Guilfoyle.
reported recently to the Government here, and to the press,
7
See Argus, 24 October 1883.
that
Bromus sterilis

Search for Bromus sterilis in

was a native of America and highly valuable as a fodder grass!
8
For M's response, see M to G. Berry, 24 October 1883, published in Argus, 26 October 1883, p. 7. The species is a native of Europe and western Asia and, according to M, was generally regarded as a pest rather than as valuable for fodder.