Ferdinand von Mueller

27/9/61

Sir

When I recently had the honor of addressing you,

1

M to J. Harris, 19 September 1861.

& communicated to you that the honorable the Chief Secretary had approved of your application to hold a horticultural exhibition at the Botanic Gardens, I was under the impression, that the Horticultural Society's

2

Horticultural Society of Victoria, Melbourne.

Spring show would be held in the earlier part of the month of October, I however learn now, that the Society, several months ago fixed on the second of November as their exhibition day, & since many prearrangement were made accordingly, it will be inexpedient for the Society to alter the exhibition day. Considering that the day chosen for the Spring exhibition by the G. M. I. Society,

3

Victorian Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society, Melbourne.

leaves only one week intervening between that of the Horticultural Society's Exhibition, I beg to express a hope, that for the mutual convenience of both Societies, & for the advantage of the public, the gentlemen of the G. M. I. Society, will not be disinclined to hold their Exhibition, either two weeks earlier as originally intended, or at a date subsequent to the Horticultural Society's Exhibition.

To the Hon. Sec. of the G. M. I. Society.

4

See also J. Harris to M, 28 September 1861, in which Harris says M's letter will be laid before the Society's next committee meeting. Harris wrote to M again on 2 October to advise him that the Committee would not change the date of their show in consideration of expenses already incurred in printing schedules etc. and the need for the roses to be 'in perfection'.