Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Foreign Correspondence. Poisonous Gastrolobes’, Gardeners' chronicle and agricultural gazette, 22 October 1864, p. 1013 (B64.10.01). See also M to the Gardeners' chronicle and agricultural gazette, January 1865 (in this edition as 65-01-00a).

"Having just returned from the Flinders River,

2

Qld.

I am in a position to give you some account of the road. The floods in January presented many difficulties to our reaching that country; but this was not all — a Poison Plant, which seems to confine itself to the range dividing the waters of the Thompson from the Burdekin, destroyed nearly one-third per cent.

3

i.e. approximately 33%?

of the sheep which passed through it. The cattle were not so much affected, but still a very heavy loss was incurred. I think I am within the mark when I state that 250 head of cattle, and 10,000 sheep, besides a few horses and working bullocks, were destroyed by this plant.

4

M has created a single paragraph from different parts of the Northern argus article from which he is quoting. The remainder of the text is from the conclusion of the letter to the editor, which follows details of a recommended stockroute to avoid areas where the plant grows.

In fact, it seems fatal to all; and my description of it to old colonists is: compare it with a bush which the aborigines of South Australia use for poisoning fish. The growth of the plant varies, but it seems to reach perfection when 6 feet high. It is found upon the most barren ridges and rises, in soil of a light brown colour, and of a slaty description. The bush may be easily discerned in the distance by its very green, fresh-looking appearance. Care should be taken not to camp within easy access of it. The blossom is of a dark red colour, and similar in shape to the Pea or Indigo flower."

It may interest you to learn that the preceding paragraph, written by a correspondent of the Northern Argus,

5

The Northern argus has not been seen but the letter quoted by M, signed 'Richmond Downs', was reproduced in Queensland times, Ipswich herald and general advertiser, 7 July 1864, p. 4, and has been consulted there.

refers to

Gastrolobium grandiflorum

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(Fragm. iii., 17),

6

B62.04.01.

the only species as yet known out of S.W. Australia, and as poisonous as G. bilobum, G. calycinum, G. Drummondii, and G. oxylobioides. Since Mr. T. M. Stuart,

7

i.e. J. M. Stuart.

the famous explorer, found the plant near the Roper River, in Arnhem's Land (Widrington Range)

8

NT.

it is to be feared that this poisonous species extends a long way through the interior of tropical Australia, although I did not meet with it on any of the lines of my investigation.