Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M142, Library, Royal Botanical GardensMelbourne. 84.11.19

Preferred Citation:

Hugo Finck to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1884-11-19. 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/84-11-19>, accessed September 11, 2025

1
MS found with specimens of Quercus sp. (MEL 2419305-6), Annotated by M: ‘Beantw. 25/1/85 F.v.M. Mexico via San Francisco’ [Answered 15 January 1885]. Letter not found.
Córdova the 19th of November 1884
Herrn Baron Ferdinand von Müller
Melbourne
Geehrter Herr
In zwei verschiedenen Remessen sende ich Ihnen per Post No 4 Quercus xalapensis & No 5 Quercus sp ?
Quercus xalapensis has a wide range, it is found on the eastern declivities of the Orizába mountains from the height of 2 to 5.000 feet above the level of the sea. It is generally found in red cly, where nothing else will grow and seems to spring spontaneously on any clayey exhausted soil. Attains the height of 60 to 80 feet, is a quick grower, giving heavy crops of acorns. Its timber will only stand under roof, is of a whitish colour and here mostly used for fuel.
No 5. Quercus sp ? (red oak) is a lofty oak 60 to 80 ft high, furnishing excellent timber for building purposes. Pigs are very fond of its acorns. No 4 & 5 have deciduous leaves.
Tannen und Fichtensamen sind mir noch nicht gebracht worden, hoffe aber bald davon zu erhalten.
Herzlichst grüssend
Ergebenst der Ihrige
Hugo Finck
Meine Sendung vom 14tn Novber mit Eicheln No 3 werden Sie erhalten haben.
Córdova the 19th of November 1884
Baron Ferdinand von Mueller
Melbourne
Respected Sir
In two different consignments I am sending you per post No 4 Quercus xalapensis and No 5 Quercus sp ?.
Quercus xalapensis has a wide range, it is found on the eastern declivities of the Orizába mountains from the height of 2 to 5,000 feet above the level of the sea. It is generally found in red clay, where nothing else will grow and seems to spring spontaneously on any clayey exhausted soil. Attains the height of 60 to 80 feet, is a quick grower, giving heavy crops of acorns. Its timber will only stand under roof, is of a whitish colour and here mostly used for fuel.
2
M cited Finck as a source of data on Quercus xalapensis (as Q. xaloepensis) in B84.13.22, p. 319, and in subsequent editions, but retained reference to Q. xalapensis without details in this and subsequent editions under Q. sideroxyla.
No 5. Quercus sp ? (red oak) is a lofty oak 60 to 80 ft high, furnishing excellent timber for building purposes. Pigs are very fond of its acorns. No 4 & 5 have deciduous leaves.
Fir and pines seeds have not yet been brought to me but I hope to get them soon.
Sincere greetings
Most humbly your
Hugo Finck
You will have received my consignment of 14 November with acorns No 3.
Quercus xalapensis