Document information
Physical location:
RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 64.08.02Preferred Citation:
Redmond Barry to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1864-08-02. 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//letters/1860-9/1864/64-08-02-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
1
MS found with a specimen of Gastrolobium grandiflorum (MEL 247151) that is also accompanied by an envelope addressed to ‘Sir Ferd. Von
Mueller | Government Botanist | Melbourne’. However, this cannot be connected with
the letter since M had received neither his knighthood nor his ‘von’ at the time the
letter was written.
The enclosed sprig of poison plant was sent to me from Natal Downs near Suttor River
in the upper part of Queensland. as I am informed several thousand sheep & some hundreds
of cattle have died in consequence of eating it. Horses as appears have hitherto abstained
from it or if they have partaken of it have not suffered
2
M had recently reported the deleterious effects of the same plant to the Royal Society
of Victoria; see M to the Royal Society of Victoria, July 1864 (in this edition as
64-07-00b).
I hope the specimen is in a condition which will permit of your recognising it. If
so I will feel much obliged by your kindly letting me know some particulars of its
family & kindred & if there be any antidote or effectual mode of removing the ill
effects of its noxious qualities
Believe me to be my dear Dr Mueller
Very faithfully your
Redmond Barry
Carlton Gardens
August 2. 1864