Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne bot. Garden

28/1/71

This day, dear Mr Odgers, I had sent to me by the Surgeon of the Essex 2 cases and one paper parcel, all, I believe, entrusted to that Gentleman by Mr Verdon. The one case contains the seeds from the Argentine Republic, and was adressed to me. The parcel and the other case are addressed to the Chief Secretary and their contents are unknown to me. I have therefore not opened them, awaiting your instructions on the subject. I anticipate however that these 2 packages contain prints and seeds, secured by Mr Verdon. Capt Blackburn telegraphs to me, that they are for me, but I thought better to communicate with you before I unpack the contents.

1

There is a note on the letter, dated 30 January 1871 and signed by Odgers's clerk, T. Ware: 'Mr Odgers thinks that there can be no possible objection to Dr von Mueller opening both parcels'. M evidently did so and then added a minute before returning the file: 'On opening the box and parcel, I find, that the contents are not for me; so I send the things to Mr Odgers's office. | Ferd. von Mueller | 30/1/71'.

The seeds from La Plata are partly damaged through packing wet and dry kinds together. I shall soon have a case full ready in return.

2

M to J. McCulloch, 9 February 1871 (in this edition as 71-02-09a), requested that Verdon be asked to arrange shipment to Argentina when the case that was ready and to be sent on Loch Tay reached London.