Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne,

14/12/86.

David Lindsay Esq.

F.R.G.S. &c Adelaide.

In reply to your letter of the 10. Dec.,

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Letter not found.

just received, I beg to inform you, that fully three fourths of the collections of plants, brought by Lieut. Dittrich recently, has been forwarded already last week to the hon. the Minister of Education in Adelaide; of the species, not sent entirely to Adelaide, the better moyety has been sent there.

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See M to J. Cockburn, 5 December 1886.

Of the two smaller lots, received on two former occasions, an equal division was made, and one half then forwarded to Adelaide. In putting the highest possible value on the specimens retained, I have felt justified to grant £20. for them (twenty pounds Sterl.), of which sum £10 has been paid already to Lieut. Dittrich on his urgent request, and it was my intention to pay him the other £10. when he returns to Melbourne.

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See also D. Lindsay to M, 17 December 1886; M to D. Lindsay, 21 December 1886; and D. Lindsay to M, 29 December 1886 (in this edition as 86-12-29a) and 11 February 1887 (in this edtion as 87-02-11a).

As you had however so much additional expenses through him, I would suggest, that you submit this case to the hon. Fred. Krichauff, M.P., J.P., for arbitration; and I feel sure, Lieut Dittrich will submit to his decision also as regards these £10. Mr Krichauff in his high standing and with his great influence could doubtless arrange, that your claims are fully settled in Adelaide, as the South Australian colony is directly interested in the results of your important explorations; it seems to me, that the photographic pictures, as the first extensive series, taken by Lieut. Dittrich, as well as his diaries, should represent some money-value also, so that thus the whole monetary transaction could be brought to a satisfactory close. In reference to the geographic question, I shall have great pleasure, to write to you in a day or two.