Ferdinand von Mueller

1

For a printed version of this letter, see Home & Maroske (1997), p. 30.

Melbourne 1/2/92

To the Consul General for France, Melbourne.

Being aware, honored Sir, that the Government of France is engaged in providing for new rural cultures towards the Sahara in very arid regions, I beg to send seeds, just purposely fresh collected, of two kind of pastural Saltbushes of Central Australia, which valuable plants should prove of great importance also in the interior of Africa, when naturalized, for fattening herds and flocks. I further beg to send seeds of the Desert-Cypress of Australia, which tree is one of the few, thriving readily in waterless, sandy and very hot regions furnishing durable timber and splendid fuel, and easily naturalized. Promising to send various other supplies as occasion offers, I remain, regardfully your