Ferdinand von Mueller

23/1/84.

Private

Nearly two years ago, dear Sir Joseph, I was requested by the Editor of the Leader, to write some biographic notes; which were to accompany of

1

a?

woodcut of yourself, prepared for that journal. Gladly I responded to the call at once, and wrote nearly the whole of the notes printed in the accompanied paper.

2

A full-page article about Hooker, including a portrait, was published in the Melbourne Leader, 3 June 1882, suppl, p. 1.

By what fatality the copy was mislaid, though adressed ready 22/6/82, I cannot now say; but yesterday it turned up among a heap of stored away things in my narrow office! The explanation is easy enough. After in such a cruel manner my Garden and Home was taken from me, I have merely made shift in small buildings, not half large enough for my requirements even merely officially, and thus with such narrow accommodation things are often mislaid, and when once out of sight may long remain so.

I now send the copy of the journal, and would beg of you, to let the article be reproduced in the Gardn. Chronicle or some English Magazine.

3

The original article has not been found at Kew and was not reproduced in the Gardeners’ chronicle.

I have gained some strenght by a 5 weeks stay on the seaside, but my cough became not subdued. The rhonchus sibilans is as ominous as ever, and the slightest speaking brings on a paroxism of cough. I shall now go for a few weeks with my office work to the dense forests of Gippsland,

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See M to G. Berry, 17 January 1884 (in this edition as 84-01-17a).

to see what the natural Eucalyptus-vapors and the equable moist air will do for me. On the coast the prevailing S. Winds, direct from the antartics, were too cold and piercing for me, even when using respirators. I finished the msc. for the 10th Decade of the Eucalyptography, but when it will be printed I cannot foresee.

5

B84.11.02.

Trusting that you are well and that Mr Bentham has rallied and will long be spared to us yet, I remain yours regardfully