Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne bot Garden

13/5/73.

Herewith, dear Sir Redmond, I beg to offer to the Museum at the public Library a medal, additional to those placed by me there already.

1

See M to W. Vale, 5 September 1872.

The bye following letter explains the circumstances, under which it was so generously awarded.

2

Letter not found. M had been awarded a silver medal for a collection of timbers that he exhibited at the Esposizione Internazionale delle Industrie Marittime, Naples, 1871; see Esposizione Internazionale, Napoli, to M, June 1871 (in this edition as 71-06-00).

It remains for me only to add, that like in several former instances the award was bestowed for exhibits entirely furnished by my private means and in no way whatever provided by Departmental or other official means. The exhibition of the woods was effected in response to direct calls on me by scientific friends in Italy three years ago,

3

Letters not found.

and as no organisation of a public character was called forth in Melbourne for the sake of the Neapel Exhibition, and as any application for aid out of public means would have been apt to be misconstrued (as I know from repeated sad experiences) I deemed it best to incur the expenses for my own articles personally. But as all my medals, whether awarded me in my public or private position, are at your museum, I beg to ask, that you and your Colleagues there will accept this one also.

His Honor Sir Redm. Barry &c &c

President of the public Library [&] Museum Commissioners