Sydney bot. Garden
20 May 1857
Sir William.
Desirous of communicating to you regularly by the mail, I shall forward a few lines
again, and apprize you of the close of my labours in Sydney. The collections are packed,
the report is written and with the diagnoses of such a number of plants accompanied,
that the whole of these descriptions transmitted illustrate now nearly 600 sp. of
trop. Australian plants. Probably the New part will arrive by this mail, and it would
consequently superfluous to speak of the last results of my labours. I shall feel
happy to learn, that my two letters from Melbourne and the three principle letters
from Sydney arrived, as also the reciept of the box with specimens transmitted by
Dr Elsey together with 160 bot. descriptions pr. Alnwick Castle. He took also a few
lines with him for you and so does Mr Flood, who leaves within a few days. I am at
the eve of my departure for Melbourne, and trust to be able to come for closing my
two works either next year or in 1859 to Kew. It would indeed be equally necessary
and delightful. Meanwhile I shall be able to reestablish myself fairly in Melbourne
and to examine the two or three places in the Colony Victoria, where no one yet botanized.
I hope to remain in favour with his excellency Sir Henry Barkly, who I deplore to
say lost his Lady, and this must be felt by the Governor so much more, as the recreation
in domestic live[s] now fail to alleviate the cares of his harrassed position in these
political changes.
My first work in Melbourne will probably consist in a review of my
e. I have also yet nearly 200 bot. descriptions to copy, which have been retained
in order to consult previously Prof. de Vriese's work on
and several other books. However there is so much material already in your hands,
that a short delay will not be so objectionable. Would it not be desirable, that the
more interesting n. g & n. sp. appeared previous to the general work on the Botany
of the North Australian Expedition. I beg to direct your attention, Sir William, if
you approve of this to the enclosed list, which I think contains the most remarkable
sp. revealed by the expedition.
Unfortunately the few kinds of wood, procured by us, are lost together with one box
of Adansonia fruits in the [un]shiping of the cargo at Java.
With regard to the wood-specimens I regret principly the loss of that of Adansonia.
Professor Schleiden was anxious, I know, to examine that of
, and I think the result of the investigation would have been, to assign to it a much
shorter period of life, than is generally attributed to these trees. Indeed the wood
is so soft and perishable, that the accounts of the longevity of Adansonia become
quite incredible. I may quote at this occasion Mr Gregorys observation on the formation
of several concentric rings in
and
annually! —, and it is well worth further observation, if really the laws of the
formation of yearly distinct layers are holding good for the trees of those climates,
in which no periodical cessation of growth takes place, namely in all the evergreen
trees of the tropics and the warmer temperate zone and of which so many are independant
of season producing leaves flowers and fruits all throughout the year. We have now
in Australia good opportunity of collecting data upon this point, for of many planted
trees we know their exact age, and a number of specimens of various kinds with correct
note of the length of their existence should be transmitted, to throw light upon this
interesting question. My own impression is, that the age of tropical trees is in general
far overrated, —
With regard to my descriptive notes I have yet to observe, that I have worked under
several disadvantages, for which you, with your usual indulgence, will make in all
likelihood due allowance. One difficulty consisted therein, that I was unable to get
all the specimens at once together. We were for a long time afraid that the "Messenger"
was lost; not waiting upon uncertainties I had to commence with arranging the notes
of the latter part of the expedition without access to the earlier onces. And when
at last the vessel arrived, I had to separate all the rescued damaged specimens from
those, which arrived in good order Thus time was lost and the comparison here frustrated;
still I scarcely believe, that the same sp. occurs in the diagnoses on any occasion
under a double name, altho' this may be the case with the specimens in a few instances.
I recieved to day orders, to deliver the boxes with specimens (5 in number to the
Commissary General) for transmission to you at Kew. They will be forwarded probably
in the "Star of the peace"
Mr. Gregory will I hope be soon able to furnish his journal, which will be replete
of extensive and useful information. Should it be published for the parliament,
I would consider it an extreme favour to get a copy through one of your friends in
the house of commons; it would be an excellent guide for me in writing my botanical
journal.
With sentiments of the greatest obligation towards you and with the best wishes for
your health, I remain, Dear Sir William, your most attached
servant
Ferd. Mueller.