Ferdinand von Mueller

My dear Miss.

I do not like Mr Smith

1

William Smith?

to proceed to Phillip Island without taking a few lines from me to you, especially as I answered your last letter but hurriedly amidst engagements for the mail.

2

Henderson's letter not found, but see M to E. Henderson, 25 January 1864 (in this edition as 64-01-25b).

I have felt much grief about the sorrow I have caused to your venerable mother & trust you have said all you could consoling to the old Lady. I feel still week & poorly and great emotions throw back my convalescence; so pardon if I pass to other subjects.

Mr M'Haffie has met me at various times very feelingly & in a most generous manner, about which I felt my heart much eased.

Mr Smith brings you a copy of the Flora Australiensis, not an elegant one, but one which you will more value than any other as it is that which we have read conjointly.

3

Bentham (1863-78), vol. 1. This copy still survives in private hands and is inscribed by M: 'To Miss Euphemia Henderson as a mark of sincere friendship from | Ferd. Mueller 27/1/64'. See also M to E. Henderson, 10 September 1863 (in this edition as 63-09-10a).

There appeared lately a magnificent review of this work in the Natural History Review,

4

[Oliver] (1863); the review is unsigned, but Daniel Oliver was the botanical editor of the Natural history review in which it appeared.

now a leading scientific journal, in which my own portion of labours are infinitely more justly treated than by President Bentham. It is the only review in which with true sympathy my own sacrifices are acknowledged. I send also an other work to which I am furnishing some contributions, and which will have a sterling worth for all times.

I enjoyed much the visit of an old Adelaide friend, Dr Moore, the Chief Medical Officer of South Australia & one who has the finest practice there amongst the gentry. He is very clever not only in his profession, but also an admirable scholar & of most charming manners. He has just gone back to Adelaide.

I must regard it as a great token of kindness of Mr M'Haffie, that he allows Mr Smith, an officer of my Department, to get some Wallabys & perhaps Cygnets for the Acclimation Society at Phillip Island, which I hope to get away by the Fregatte Iphigenie, which is expected to arrive here very soon.

5

No report of the French frigate Iphigenie calling at Melbourne at this period has been found. It was, however, reported to be in New Caledonia, later in 1864 (Argus, 8 September 1864, p. 7).

I shall of course represent to the French Commadore,

6

Commandeur?

that we received these creatures from Mr M'Haffies Island.

I feel highly gratified with the prospect of our future correspondence & remain regardfully & with sincerest wishes for your health & happiness