Document information

Physical location:

MS 13071 Royal Society of Victoria Exploration Committee records, box 2078/2, La Trobe Australian Manuscripts Collection, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne. 61.12.11

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Alfred Howitt, 1861-12-11. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id/61-12-11>, accessed May 18, 2024

1
MS black-edged, M's sister Bertha Doughty died on 7 September 1861. Annotated: ‘Ferdd. Mueller Botanic Garden 11th Decr 1861 | Collection of Seeds’.
11/12/61
My dear Sir
I have much pleasure in sending the meat bisquits & the seeds of useful plants intended for the expedition and of which Dr Murray will take charge.
2
The 1861-2 expedition led by Howitt, to collect the bodies of Robert O'Hara Burke and William J. Wills from Coopers Creek, left Melbourne on 9 December 1861 without a surgeon; James Murray left on 12 December to join the expedition in that role (Herald (Melbourne), 24 December 1861, p. 2).
Regardfully
yours
Ferd. Mueller.
List of seeds forwarded to Mr Howitt.
3
The list is on a separate page in an unknown hand; the final paragraph has been added by M.
Sorghum sacharatum

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. excellent quickly growing grass affording abundance of food to horses & cattle.
Sorghum nigrum

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similar to the above but the stalks do not contain so much sacharine matter. The seeds of both kinds are very nutritious. To be sown if possible on a rich soil.
Rumex vesicarius

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an annual quickly growing antiscorbutic source
4
antiscorbutic source insertion by M.
plant, the leaves of which serve as spinach. Does very well on sandy soil.
Bromus unioloides

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quickly growing grass, suitable for any kind of soil
Maize to be sown on tolerably fertile ground; leaves & stalks furnish good horsefeed, whilst the cob's in a green state are excellent eating
Pumpkin,
Gourd
Piemelon
Rockmelon's 2 sorts
to be sown on rich land which should not be too dry
Tomato seeds &c will be sent by Mr Rule. White Clover seeds are already supplied. Dates Dr Murray I think has purchased. A large supply of seeds seems to be still at the Darling unused.
Ferd Mueller
11/12/61.