Ferdinand von Mueller

March 5. 1861

Sir

I have the honor to send you by direction of the Chief Secretary

1

i.e. of SA.

the entire collection of plants and seeds brought by Mr Waterhouse from Kangaroo Island.

2

SA. See M to R, Heales, 10 January 1861; M to R. MacDonnell, 2 March 1861 (in this edition as 61-03-02a).

They were all collected I believe on the eastern part of the Island but of this matter I wait till Mr Waterhouse shall have brought in his official report, and of which when presented I will send you a copy.

The Government think that as this collection has been procured entirely from S.A. territory, The Botanic Garden of this place should be entitled to retain such of the specimens and seeds, as are not necessary to yourself in the illustration of your projected flora

Also as identity of names among botanists is very essential and if new plants are described, it is particularly desirable to retain with the original specimens, the original names, We beg of you to name the duplicates sent to us, and which may be sent at any time convenient to yourself

PS. I am personally and as Director of the Garden, very anxious to aid at all times your views relative to Australian Botany.