Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne bot Garden

29/4/73

In reply to your courteous application for a supply of plants this year again, dear Sir Redmond, for the University ground I beg to inform you, that the existing rules, under which plants for so many years were supplied, are repealed or to be altered. Until new regulations are issued I cannot supply any institution, but if the rules admit of it again I will do, what may be within my means (now almost ruinously reduced) to serve the University again for the 16th year. From the enclosed return you will see, that not less than 7000 plants were already supplied to the University, for which — so far as I am aware — my Department has never yet received the slightest public acknowledgment or expression of gratitude whatsoever, though necessarily the withdrawal of my means to a great extent to serve other institutions must retard my own work in the garden and the consquence is public censure, against which I cannot defend myself, however unjust it may be.

Be so kind to take no further measures, independent of me as Director, in reference to the supply desired. Whenever the new arrangements are decided on I will let you know the day at which — with such labor as is left me, I can effect the selection and supply.

Number of plants supplied for the garden of the Melbourne Univerisity.

Besides at various times large collections of seeds

29/4/73 Ferd. von Mueller