Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS file annotations:

(1) 'Received by me from Mr Wallis on 1st April. | In my humble opinion there is no objection to the adoption of Baron Von Mueller's suggestions. | In absence of President I have infd the Baron and he can take the necessary steps for shipment of the specimens, and have instructed Mr Lewis to prepare the requisite letters for signature by President [illegible initials] | 1.4.73'.

(2) 'Mr Lewis | Have you prepared the letters for signature of President?'.

(3) 'The letter was prepared signed by the A.C. [Assistant Commissioner] (in absence of the Hon. The Minister) on 8th.4.73 [...] Lewis'.

Melbourne bot Garden

28/3/73.

Sir

I have the honor to inform you, that in compliance with your instructions six ferns have been procured from Mt Macedon for the Government of Holland, in accordance with the request of Consul Van Amstel.

2

See D. Ploos van Amstel to M, 28 February 1873 (in this edition as 73-02-28a), and notes thereto.

These ferns arrived yesterday at the Spencers Street Railway station, and weigh rather more than five tons. In following up your instructions I have made arrangements for packing these ferns and for their earliest transmission, which can best be effected by the Lincolnshire and through the Gov. Storekeepers Department, should this meet with your approbation. The Lincolnshire sails by the third of April, and the six cases must be therefore on board during the earlier part of the next week. May I request that the Dutch Consul receives official information of these arrangements,

3

The file includes a letter of acknowledgement of the gift, addressed to Casey and dated 10 April 1873, from the Dutch Consul, Daniel Ploos van Amstel.

and that the Agent General informs the Dutch Government of your Donation, also that it be intimated, that the 6 ferns now sent comprise larger specimens than were ever exported before. I understand, that the best way of transit to Holland is from London by Steamer to Rotterdam and from thence by rail to Amsterday.

4

Amsterdam?

Any further instructions of yours will receive my immediate attention

Hon. J. J. Casey &c &c