Ferdinand von Mueller

1/12/87

It was most gratifying to me, honored and venerable friend, to receive your generous communication written with untrembling hand;

1

R. Owen to M, 27 September 1887

— and I trust, that divine providence will long yet grant you strength, to continue your marvellous researches, and to enjoy your triumphs in a long and unclouded autumn of life!

The Editor of our "Victorian Naturalist" was eager, to transfer your letter, after reading it at the Field Naturalists Club's last meeting, to the pages of his journal, and has appended some notes, which may stimulate obtaining more monotrematous material for you.

2

Owen’s letter was published in Victorian naturalist, vol. 4, no. 8 (December 1887), p. 119.

I forwarded at once the print and conveyed your salutation to the Rev Pastor Hagenauer,

3

Letter not found.

who doubtless will continue exerting himself for you.

When this letter arrives, it will be about New year,

4

MS annotation by Owen: 'from Baron Von Mueller recd January 9th–/88'.

a memorable one with its 888, an occurence, with threefold numeric conform[ity] which happens even less frequently than the transit of the Venus.

May then also this newyear be one replete with happiness and renown to you; and may you be spared for many more anniversaries, to benefit science and to enjoy in unimpaired health the worldly blessings, which among mortals no one more deserves than yourself!