Ferdinand von Mueller

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Plants for Baron von Mueller', West Australian (Perth, WA), 4 August 1896, p. 5 (B96.08.03). It is introduced by:

A correspondent from the country writes to us: — Baron von Mueller, the distinguished Victorian botanist, whose name may be said to be a household word in Western Australia, as well as elsewhere, says in a private letter dated 21st July:

The item was reprinted in other papers; the editorial commentary in B96.08.07 concluded: 'If other papers would give insertion of the above they would do good service to a good work of incalcuable ( sic ) usefulness.'

The correspondent's letter continued

For the information of those who are willing to assist the Baron's scientific researches, it may be useful to state that, when practicable, plants should show flowers as well as fruit or seed pods. They should be cut just below the surface of the ground indicating the beginning of the roots. Absence of fruit should not, however, be an obstacle to the collector. Such plants packed in small parcels, marked "Botanical specimen," and addressed "Baron Sir F. von Mueller, F.R.S., etc, Government Botanist, Melbourne," are forwarded free of postage by our Postal Department. Postmasters in country districts may not be aware of this fact, but on application to the Postmaster-General they will find it confirmed. Some of our ever obliging ladies residing in the country will perhaps lend their aid in this laudable work. I may add that the plants collected should not be subjected to hard pressure. They should be dried between any kind of writing paper, with a light weight (a book) placed on the top. Pressure often destroys the particular qualities by which plants are classified.