19/9/85
For some time, dear Mr Dyer, no particular cause arose, to write to Sir Joseph or
yourself; but now 2 or 3 subjects are on my mind concerning which I ought to write
to Kew; hence these lines.
1, We
here
prepare also a variety of things for the London-Exhibition;
and altho' it may be intended, to establish an Indian and Colonial Museum in your
great City, many of the articles from my Department will be "in duplo" or they will
admit of division. If you expressed to me a desire, in an early communication, that
such articles of vegetable origin as could be spared from the Victorian Court, would
be desirable for Kew-Museum, I could give directions to that effect, before the Victorian
Commissioners are leaving for London.
With my usual loyalty I would do for Kew what I can; no exhibits of mine are to be
returned to my Department.
2, The Rev. B. Scortechini has sent me a few plants; I will look over them and then
forward them to Kew.
3. Every disposition is shown by the Ministry here, to allow me, to carry on my work
in its integrity, so long as my mental faculties and physical strength are lasting;
and as I got better over this winter than the last, almighty providence may grant
me perhaps a few years longer, to continue my worldly labors it will
not be many
at best. Tomorrow evening I shall for the first time venture out to go to church,
not having attended divine service during the cool season, the weather now getting
warm, our
May
having set in, and the fruit-trees are in full bloom here now.
In all probability my herbarium will after my death be transferred to the Melbourne
University and a special Professorship of Botany there be created; but this I mention
to you only in
strict confidence
, for the matters has
not
been
under ministerial consideration, simply no one here wishes to interfere with me,
while I am able to conduct the Department still; this is but fair, as I sunk all my
time and all my private means likewise in my Department.
Some clashing must take place with Beccari as regards elaboration of New Guinea plant;
but his share will be N. Western, mine South Eastern.
Regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller.
Hope you like the
from S.[W]. Australia
Best thanks for the seeds of
&c &c just received.
