Ferdinand von Mueller

Botanic Museum

Melbourne, 1st August 1873

Sir

In reply to your enquiry regarding an allegation that Mr. Bacchus had been denied access to the herbarium, I have the honor to state that, when Mr. Bacchus called at the Museum at the end of June last and again last week, I showed him (during your illness), according to your instructions, the Extra Australian Grasses &c which he desired to see, and as this gentleman takes a particular interest in this class of plants, I informed him, on your request, that a correctly named collection of duplicate specimens should be made up for him in the course of a month or two, as soon as other urgent business would permit.

1

There is a marginal note, probably by Luehmann, with its intended location marked by an asterisk at this point: 'This is an act of courtesy perfectly unusual in any other museum'.

Respecting the Australian Grasses, which Mr. Bacchus had already inspected on a former occasion, I informed him that you had just commenced to work on them and the allied families, and that they were then not in a state of assortment, to be touched by any one else but yourself. I told him further that you would be most happy to name any grasses which he might send to you.

I was certainly under the impression that Mr. Bacchus was quite satisfied with the reception he got.

Baron Von Mueller

&c&c

2

This letter was evidently forwarded with M to J. Francis, 1 August 1873 (in this edition as 73-08-01a); see notes thereto.