Ferdinand von Mueller

2/9/69.

I intend, dear Sir Redmond, to place, as you suggest, a series of suggestions before the trustees of the Library in reference to the formation of the industrial vegetable section in the new Museum, but I have had no leisure to utilize my notes for the purpose, nor shall I have time for it until the next English mail has departed. I was anxious in the meanwhile to take possession of any spare - case , available at the Exhibition-Building, in order that at once some progress may be made;

1

See also M to R. Barry, 28 August 1869.

for it will manifestly take many months & much fund before at an uniform system accommodation for extensive exhibits can be permanently afforded.

I have given notice as well at the board of Agriculture as at the Acclimation Society, that it is desirable to transfer their collections to the new museum, and the matter will be discussed at the next meeting.

Accept my best thanks, dear Sir Redmond, for your sympathy at the occasion, when I have been honored by the grace of her Majesty.

2

M had been appointed, earlier in 1869, a Companion in the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG); see H. C. Manners-Sutton to M, 20 February 1869, and M to H. C. Manners-Sutton, 22 February 1869 (in this edition as 69-02-22a), and notes to each. M acknowledged receiving the insignia in M to G. Gairdner, 13 July 1969 (in this edition as 69-07-13c).

I only wished the distinction had fallen on a more worthy man, altho' my 22 years uninterrupted service in her Majesty's Australian territory give me the seniority over all others engaged in Australia in scientific pursuits, except my venerable friend the Rev. Wm Clarke in Sydney