Ferdinand von Mueller

On 3 September the Secretary for Agriculture, A. Wallis, wrote to Odgers requesting information on what M's library had cost the State. 'Thinking that the Under Treasurer would be able to supply the same, I wrote to him with that object. Mr Symonds, however, stated in reply that the private library of Baron von Mueller was purchased in December 1865 for the sum of £600, but that he was unable to give any information as to the other sums which have been paid away for books from time to time, but suggested that the information might perhaps be obtainable from you or from the Baron himself. I have therefore the honor to request that, if it be in your power, you will be good enough to supply the necessary information, and if not, that you will request the Government Botanist to do so, and to state at the same time which of the books have been obtained in exchange for his Botanical works, published at the cost of the State.'

The file cover bears an unattributable annotation: 'The correspondence is marked as sent to Director B. Garden 6/7/66. It was recalled some days ago but the Director seems not to know where it is.' See also M to W. Odgers, 1 September 1873, and M to J. Francis, 7 September 1873.