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73.11.08

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Ferdinand von Mueller to Lewis Bernays, 1873-11-08. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1870-9/1873/73-11-08-final.odt>, accessed June 4, 2026

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Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Macrozamias and cycads' in 'Acclimatisation Society', a report of the meeting of the Council of the Queensland Acclimatisation Society held on 5 December 1873, Brisbane courier, 6 December 1873, p. 5 (B73.12.02). It is introduced by
The Chairman stated that the demand for large specimen plants of this curious and beautiful genus from the foreign constituents of the society was so much on the increase, that he had found it necessary to seek for information from various sources, both as to the locus in quo of the various species, and as to the best and cheapest mode of securing supplies. Any member or other colonists could do good service by sending specimens of reasonable size. They should be carefully taken from the ground, a sharp knife being used where necessary to sever a root, the fronds being tied together and not cut off. With these precautions, and the most ordinary care otherwise they can easily be sent to Brisbane.
Baron F von Mueller sends the following interesting reply —.
Melbourne, November 8, 1873.
I gladly reply to the questions of your letter received this day,
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Letter not found.
dear Mr Bernays.
1. The
Cycadeae

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are not represented in Victoria. In a few months you will have the 6th vol., in which (largely from my writings) the localities are noted for all the species of Macrozamia and Cycas
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Bentham (1863-79), vol. 6, pp. 248-54.
M. Denisonii you can always get in the north of New South Wales, but it is also at Rockingham Bay, and other places of Queensland. To this belong Catakidazamia
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Typesetter's error for Catakidozamia?
M'Leayi and Hopei;
Macrozamia Miquelii

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and
Cycas media

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, you might get from Mr Thozet at Mueller's Ville, Rockhampton.
M. spiralis you have near you or could get from Botany Bay.
M. Fraseri you would get from King George's Sound.
Ferntrees are just packed like the
Zamia

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e but the stipes of the fronds must be kept to protect the top.
All these can be sent in an aged state by merely cutting away the leaves and lifting the stem without injury, although the long-extending roots must be left behind. It is well to fumigate the stem, when lifted, and before packed, over much smoke but not heat. The object is to destroy any larvæ of boring beetles through which one or two consignments perished on the way to Europe.
2. The packing is effected simply in boxes without hay or any other emballage, as the sweating of the stem would render the hay, sawdust, &c., mildewed, and create decay or harbor insects. The cases should be placed in a cool place in the voyage, and not in a place where any frost can have access.
3. I have had Cycadiae four years dormant, and started them still into new growth with bottom heat. This applies to
Zamia

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e. My experience on Cycas is limited, but judging from the great affinity of the two, I fancy that even Cycas will push leaves again after a long time. Examine the root of your Cycas. If it has made none, it may have been injured, and decay may have set in internally. A fertile source of losses of this kind is internal concussion of the stem, if such a heavy thing is allowed to fall by its own weight, instead of being gently let to the ground when exhumed, and gently carried from place to place. It will be interesting to ascertain whether the erect flowering
Musa

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found by Mr Hill will prove identical with any of the three upright-flowering Indian ones. —
Regardfully yours,
Fred.
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F erd .
Von mueller.