Document information

Physical location:

RBG Kew, Kew Correspondence, Australia, Mueller, 1882-90, f. 96. 84.05.16

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to William Thiselton-Dyer, 1884-05-16. 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/84-05-16>, accessed September 11, 2025

16/5/84
1
Annotated: Seeds Recd & sown / 2/7/84 - W.W. and in Thiselton-Dyer’s hand Ansd | 17/8/84. Letter not found.
You will observe, dear Mr Dyer, from the enclosed letter adressed by Mr Thoms to the Rev Dr Woolls
2
The enclosed letter is filed at ff 94-95; in the text below editorial comments or additions are shown as [comment]. [some text] indicates an uncertain reading.
[Steward] Surat [Queensland]
2 May 1884
Revd. William Woolls
Parsonage
Richmond
My dear Sir,
Herewith I am sending you some spores & seed which I hope you will bring to an issue in what event I am shure you will have a special novelty. I have had some difficulty in getting these Seeds as the Vines appeared to have been seriously injured by the dry weather and the seed consequently did not ripen: but these forward have fully matured and are perfectly sound and it was only today that I got them so you will understand the delay I have not known the spores to grow anywhere only on Red Sand The soil generally is called red loom [sic] it forms a hard crust on top for about 6 inches and from that down it is very soft. If a lot of horses start galloping on this country on a cold night the sound can be heard from miles off - The seed referred to I think should be placed from 6 to 9 inches in the ground and when the plant makes its appearance I do not think the ground can be too well saturated as long as it is not submerged by water - I have received your letter of [5] April ulto which I will reply to next mail as I am awfully busy just now - 270 Teams have passed here from N.S. Wales sheep and cattle out of number and the feed here now is not good [& men] can be got for anything one likes to offer them! The recent rains in N.S.W. are too late I am afraid to do any material good except to make back water.
Yours very truly
[J. C. Thoms] [pencil annotation below the signature: Thoms]
that the byefollowing seeds of Ipomoea Calobra are worthy of special attention, as by their careful rearing you might place a new edible tuber on the table of the world. I have referred to this highly promising Ipomoea in the “select plants”.
3
There is a very brief reference in B84.13.22 and the two preceding editions, but a more extensive commentary in later editions, based partly upon information from Woolls.
“Lerp” is only to be got in midsummer, and I have myself at present none on hand, will however bear your wish, to possess some, in mind. The small sample of crumbly Mellitose, forwarded by you,
4
Sent 19 March 1884; see notes to M to W. Thiselton-Dyer, 29 January 1884.
belongs undoubtedly to the sort, exuded from the young bark of
Eucalyptus viminalis

Search for Eucalyptus viminalis in

through boring of Cicada moerens. In the 10th Decade of the Eucalyptography I have fully dealt with this question.
5
B84.13.19. There is a vertical blue pencil line in the left margin of the MS next to The small sample . . . question.
It is very gratifying indeed, to hear some reassuring accounts of Mr Bentham’s health. With summerweather now there, I trust, that he will completely rally, and that for years to come he will enjoy the scientific triumphs he so noble earned, and watch thus the grand effects of his lifelong labors.
6
Bentham died on 10 September 1884.
Regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller.