Ferdinand von Mueller

28/1/89

Allow me to enquire, dear Sir Malcolm, whether the Government of WA. would like to avail itself for a year or two of the services of Dr von Lendenfeld for the investigation of the lower marine animals of your coast.

1

Earlier M had recommended von Lendenfeld for a position in Sydney; see M to A. Stephen, 25 November 1885.

This energetic and accomplished Naturalist has just completed his grand works on the Medusa2, standardised citationse and the sponges of other parts of the Australian shores,

2

Lendenfeld (1887), Lendenfeld (1888), Lendenfeld (1889).

yours remaining extensively uninvestigated. So important are his researches, that the Royal Society of London voted £300 towards the cost of printing his illustrations. His employment there, would enrich much your Museum, and place the Colony more in communication with men of sciences abroad. Dr v. Lendenfeld is just free of engagements; but may any moment get a call to an University. For the completion of his last works he has been staying with an uncle, who is a nobleman in Austria. A few hundred £ would suffice for a years salary; instruments he has himself. So the whole cost would not likely exceed £500 for a years work on your shores.