Melbourne, 3. August 1854.
Sir William.
Desirous of not neglecting any opportunity of adressing you, I have the pleasure of
transmitting to you this few lines by the celebrated poet William Howitt, who honored
me with his visit and will oblige me by delivering to you a few supplementary remarks
to my former botanical manuscripts. I was not aware of Mr Howitts return to Europe
at so early a period and have therefore only forwarded a few days ago by the “Red
Jacket” a considerable set of manuscripts. Writing this lines at the moment of starting
for a short journey to Sealers cove, I do not know, whether I may venture to molest
Mr Howitt with the burden of a few specimens, which lay ready again for you.
With “the Queen of the South” I forwarded a box with specimens, I think about 500
sp, accompanied by some manuscript; but it happened, that whilst I was away for a
few days on an algological excursion, my attendant
shipped to you, both original and copy of the writing, which circumstance embarasses
me in compiling my second annual report. I should feel extremely obliged, Sir William,
for receiving the almost unreadable originals back again, unless you deemed, what
I send, worth of passing at once through the press.
In examining a few days ago a species of Trichinium, I was not a little struck to
observe at first in this and afterwards in
all
species, which I possess, 1 or 2 and rarely three stamens sterile. I have trusted,
when establishing my genus
to the correctness of former observations, where constantly is spoken but simply
of 5 stamens (to be expected fertile) and I was myself not more fortunate in my examinations,
when giving at various times accounts of a few Trichinia. Now I found, as far as my
specimens go, that but
exceptional
5 fertile stamens are found, and that in all probability good specific characters
can be derived from the structure of the sterile stamens. Thus for instance exhibits
always a solitary sterile filament, much longer than the 4 fertile ones, whilst in
most of the other species 1 or 2 sterile filaments are very much shorter as the others
and often quite concealed in the basal wool. This sterile stamens are generally deprived
even of the rudiment of an anther, such as is very manifest in
(a genus well marked however by a smooth calyx).
With what feeling of gratitude I have read your very kind remarks on my humble labours,
I am at a loss to express; — such favourable opinion, however undeserved it assuredly
is, on my writings, from your high authority, is of immense support to me; and conducting
my services on the most oeconomical scale I trust now, that our Government will continue
to offer me the support, which I since received.
I am very anxious, Sir William, to learn of the save arrival of all the papers and
the large box of specimens, which the late Governor forwarded some months ago.
By my communications from before you will observe, that I transmutated the name of
in
. This beautiful cloud-buried plant belongs certainly to that [genus]
With the expressions of gratitude and deepest obligations I conclude these lines as
your
most humble servant Ferd Mueller
Sir Will. Jacks. Hooker, K.H.
L.L.D, V.P.L.S, F.R.S, &c &c &c
Director of the Royal Garden at
Kew
Near London
Fav of Will Howitt Esq
