49 Lansdowne St
Surry Hills
Sydney
Nov 12 /86
My Dear Baron von Mueller
I am sorry I cannot send you specimens of
in fruit. I have examined all the specimens we found but so far I have not seen any
signs of fructification. We are out trawling and dredging nearly every Saturday and
shall, I have no doubt find it in good condition in its proper season. If we do I
will take care that you have good specimens of it Any seaweeds we get I generally
dry those I think of interest and I dried a few specimens of Claudea or rather Sonderia
for myself beside those in the Australian Museum Of course I am in the employ of the
last named institution and the large specimens exhibited at the Linnean Society
were not mine and I doubt whether I should not incur Dr Ramsay's displeasure if he
knew I sent you speciemens. Yet I don't see why seeing that I have always taken specimens
of any seaweeds we got without hindrance he in fact often tells me to take anything
I want. Anyhow I send you two of the largest specimens I have and you need not say
that I did so except you are asked to do so. I recently found a species of
in flower which I also send will you say what species it is I have not had time to
examine it nor have I any books if I had. You will not forget to let me have the moss
list as soon as you get it. I should like also a list of all N.S.W. species not hitherto
published in any list, of those which I have found you need not trouble about.
I have not done anything with the Mosses this season. My wife has been confined and
had a very narrow escape from death In fact had it not been for the prompt attendance
and skill of Dr J. C. Cox I fully believe she would not have been alive now. I have
now four children 2 boys & 2 girls. She is now out of danger and getting herself again
for which I am very thankful as during her illness my mental condition was so strained
that I was near being knocked up entirely. I still notice the F.L.S. stuck on the
end of my name but have heard nothing of my election as yet.
What expenditure would it entail providing I was elected as I am afraid I should
not be able to meet any heavy expense?
I am Dear Baron
yours very respectfully
Thomas Whitelegge
