Ferdinand von Mueller

23/10/84.

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Annotated by Joseph Hooker: And. | Dec 8/84 | JH.

The enclosed letters, dear Sir Joseph, speak for themselves.

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Enclosures not found, but see M to J. Hooker, 3 November 1884, and notes thereto.

Doubtless it would be best, if the Rev. B. Scortechini went with his botanic treasures to you . He commenced the study of plants in Australia, and I encouraged it so far as I could. Thus with ample experience he has investigated a remarkably rich field, almost unsearched before; and could therefore add much to your mainwork on the Flora of India and its supplements.

I presume, that some monetary provision for the Rev. Gentleman during his stay at Kew

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during ... Kew is interlined in the MS. Scortechini did not visit England.

would have to be made by the Government of the Straits Settlements; and as Sir Hugh Low

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British Resident at Perak.

is in England, that could probably be arranged there. You will be the best, to advise Father Scortechini; - but as he is personally a stranger to you, I may add that I enjoyed much his visit to Melbourne two years ago, and that he is the nicest and most honorable of men imaginable. I say this, though not his coreligionist; indeed I feel all his countrymen, the Italians, - so far as I came in contact with them -, the most pleasant of people from the surroundings of the throne to the humblest street-musician, and to this sentiment I gave public expression in dedicating to their principal Representative here the magnificent new Papuan

Rhododendron

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.

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Rhodendron toverenae, in honour of Marquis Goyzueta de Tover, B84.10.03.