Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'The imperial sugar beet', Farmers' journal and gardeners' chronicle (Melbourne), 17 October 1863, p. 664 (B63.10.04). It is introduced by 'Dr. Mueller has kindly translated some interesting extracts which we give below, together with his introductory letter.' For the translated extracts see B63.10.05.

Sir,—

With a view of drawing more generally the attention of agriculturists of this country to the importance of the sugar-beet as a plant remuneratively available for the production of sugar, I beg to offer for reception, in the Farmers’ Journal, a few very condensed extracts from a work published by F. Kuaner

2

Knauer.

in Leipzig 1861, entitled “Die Ruebe.”

3

Knauer (1861).

This valuable book was obligingly lent to me by the hon. G. W. Cole, with a desire that some of the more important and carefully observed facts which it promulgates, might be rendered accessible to your valued journal, a request to which I gladly respond, as the work alluded to seems not to have found a translator.

Mr Kuaner’s work extends not to the enumeration and explanation of the most improved means now employed in the manufacturing process of the beet-sugar, but as, on the Continent, large special factories exist, where the purchase of the roots is effected, it may be presumed, that by the enterprise of some colonist conversant with the subject, a factory for the manufacture of the beet-sugar will be established, whenever here, the material for providing the beet-sugar, becomes, at a commensurate scale available.

Melbourne Botanical Garden, 13th October 1863.