Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS black-edged; M's sister Bertha died on 7 September 1861.

Melbourne bot Garden

29

2

9 over 6.

/8/62

My dear Dr Hector

I feel much pleasure in introducing to you a scientific countryman of mine, Dr Adolphus Berndt, who proceeds to Otago with a view of exercising there either temporarily or permanently his profession as a physician & surgeon. I have enjoyed Dr Berndts friendship for a series of years and feel sure that in your comparative isolation as a scientific man you will be pleased to meet a gentleman like Dr Berndt, who is not only well versed in his profession, but who bears also the highest character as a private man and whom we regret seeing depart from this colony.

I received through Mr Selwyn the highly interesting memoir, written by you on the physical geography of the high north of America

3

Hector (1861).

and beg to thank you for the transmission To you it must be now a source of pleasure to contrast other alpine features in a completely opposite part of the globe with what you explored already.

I trust that all your wishes there are realized and that you are well supported in completing the exploration of the classical territory of New Zealand. If I can be anyhow useful to you, pray command my services unhesitatingly

Wishing you the best health and every happiness & success in your important labours, I remain,

dear Doctor Hector, very regardfully