Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'The cultivation of the Sumach', Leader (Melbourne), 21 May 1870, p. 7 (B70.05.02). It is introduced by 'The attention of our country readers is invited to the subjoined communication from Dr. Ferd. Von Mueller, and the accompanying paper on the culture of the sumach'. It is followed by the translation referred to in M's letter. Another version of the letter, apparently edited, was published on the same day, with the translation, in the Australasian (B70.05.01). See also B76.12.04, p. 199, under Rhus coriaria.

Sir, — I have the honour of transmitting to you, with permission of the hon. the Chief Secretary,

2

Sir James McCulloch.

an abridged translation of Professor Izenga's

3

i.e. Inzenga. Given as Tuzenga in B70.05.01.

essay on sumach culture, the full translation by Colonel H. Yule, C.B., having appeared in the ninth volume of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh for 1868.

4

Inzenga (1868).

I offer this paper for promulgation in Victoria, with a view of drawing particular attention to the sumach plant, which, by experiments in the Botanic Garden, I have proved to be fully adapted to our clime. In Sicily the sumach culture gives extensive and lucrative occupation, the importation chiefly from that part of Italy, merely into the United Kingdom, having reached 18,000 tons annually. The Melbourne market-price is about 37s. per cwt. Although the sumach is usually propogated from suckers, it may, under ordinary care, also be raised from seeds; and as the latter are so easily sent to any distance, I beg to invite any culturist interested in this subject, to obtain fresh seeds of this plant from me, at the Botanic Garden. —

Melbourne Botanic-garden, May 7.

5

See also M to J. McCulloch, 31 May 1870 (in this edition as 70-05-31c).