Document information

Physical location:

CSD7/28/296, Colonial Secretary's Office, Archives Office of Tasmania, Hobart. 70.07.06

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to James Wilson, 1870-07-06. 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/1870-9/1870/70-07-06-final.odt>, accessed June 4, 2026

1
For a copy of this letter see RSA/B.13, Royal Society of Tasmania Archives, Hobart.
Melbourne botanic Garden,
6/7/70
Sir
In accordance with the wishes, expressed by you in an interview at Melbourne, I have the honor of transmitting now to the botanic Garden of Hobarton
2
Now Hobart, Tas.
three cases with industrial plants for test plantations at Tasman’s peninsula. As explained in a former communication to the Tasmanian Government some of the plants now forwarded, for instance the Peru bark plants, will require all the shelter and warmth, which the mild forest- and fern-vallies will best afford, while others such as the tea plants will grow far more vigorously in the humid glens with deep rich soils and sheltered against storms, than on localities more exposed, less fertile and with a more variable temperature. Though several of the plants now sent were already in smaller quantities forwarded by myself to your island, they never could be placed in positions, such as the gullies of Tasman’s peninsula, where they would enjoy the utmost advantage of growth and where therefore their development would be the quickest of all and their yield the most remunerative. I share fully your own view that the vallies of your rich islands will be destined for extensive and prosperous cultivation of industrial plants, requiring a far milder clime than middle European countries can afford them. For mediterranean plants and others of the warm temperate zone Tasmania undoubtedly affords a most favorable home and this facility for their cultivation is much increased by the ready access to many of the vallies in your island. Allow me, Sir, to remark in conclusion, that the plants now sent are
3
would deleted.
only be the first instalment of those, which I would advise to be tested in Tasmans peninsula or other equally favorable spots of your island, and that I feel particularly happy to be thus in a small degree able to aid in industrial culture in your part of her Majestys dominions.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant
Ferd. von Mueller, M.D.,
Gov. Botanist for Victoria and Director of the botanic Garden of Melbourne.
The honorable the Chief Secretary of Tasmania.
It is scarcely necessary to add, that this sending arises out of the communications from his Excellency Governor DuCane and his honorable Advisers, who evinced such a vivid interest in this experiment.
4
See also M to C. Du Cane, 18 March 1870, in which M offers to supply plants.
Contents of 3 cases sent by the Steamer Southern Cross to the botanic Garden of Hobarton for plantations at Tasman's peninsula.
12
Larch,
Pinus Larix

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, yielding Venetian Turpentine.
3
5
6 replaced by 3.
Pencil Cedars of Bermuda,
Juniperus Bermudiana

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12
Perubark plants,
Cinchona officinalis

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12
Canada Balsam Fir,
Pinus balsamea

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12
Double Balsam Fir,
Pinus Fraseri

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.
12
Norway Spruce,
Pinus Abies

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.
12
Chinese Tea,
Thea Chinensis

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6
6
12 replaced by 6.
Assam Teaplants, Thea Assamica.
12
Cork Oaks,
Quercus Suber

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.
12
Finest New Zealand Flax,
Phormium Colensoi

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.
6
Hickory Walnuts,
Carya tomentosa

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6
Black Walnuts,
Juglans nigra

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6
Himalaian Oaks,
Quercus lanata

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6
White American Oaks
Quercus alba

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6
Chesnut Oaks,
Quercus Castanea

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7
The list is repeated in an unknown hand along side M's original.
See also J. Wilson to M, 10 September 1870.