Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne bot & zool Garden,

16. Apr 59.

My dear Professor Asa Gray.

I can assure you, that your kind letter dated 28 Oct,

1

Letter not found.

which however only a few days ago came into my hands has given me very much joy, doubly so because I learnt of the safe arrival of my first botanical consignment to the U.S. The seeds, which you were so friendly to contribute to this establishment arrived in best order, & I have for this valuable lot to express my heartful gratitude.

By the "Alexander" which sailed for New York a few days ago I forwarded under care of a friend 8 copies of my Fragmenta No. 1-4;

2

B58.03.01, B58.06.01, B58.07.01, B59.02.03.

6 copies of my report

3

B59.10.02.

on Mr. Babbages plants & 1 Garden report.

4

Probably B58.11.02.

If there are yet any of your noble institutions, which require these documents pray let me know. The "Golconda" is advertised to sail for Boston on the 2 May. With her I shall have much pleasure to send you No. 5 of my Fragmenta,

5

B59.04.04.

perhaps also No.6

6

No. 6 (B59.06.01) was not published until June 1859.

& some odds & ends, besides an other large consignment of dried specimens and seeds, containing a fine lot of rarities or novelties from the Darling, collected this season.

7

B60.01.01 p. 5. See also M to A. Gray, 16 May 1859 (in this edition as 59-05-16b).

Pray receive my sincere thanks for your devoting so much of your valuable time for initiating the desired botanical intercourse of this establishment with your country; but pray let it not break in on your own more important work.

I am just in a flood of work connected with this rather large department, therefore I must now part from you with a hasty but most hearty farewell.