Document information

Physical location:

GRG35/16, 1873, no. 3547, indexes of letters received, Department of Lands, State Records of South Australia, Adelaide. 73.11.26

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to George Goyder, 1873-11-26. 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/1870-9/1873/73-11-26-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
Telegram not found; item is a register entry only, of a telegram dated 26 November 1873.
[Poisonous plants, Reports on
2
According to a report in Border watch (Mount Gambier, SA), 3 December 1873, p. 2, M's telegram was in reply to a telegram, G. Goyder to M, 24 November1873, and stated: 'Herb of Solanum Nigrum contains solanus and other poisonous principles in all stages of growth—berries when ripe often not poisonous—plant annual—easily extirpated—not a native. Perhaps death of sheep by Lobelia or other herbs also.'
According to the report, Goyder responded on the same day: 'Thank you very much. Is it desirable to include Solanum Nigrum amongst proscribed plants? It is spreading rapidly in South.' To this, M replied: 'Herb Solanum not included among plants to be eradicated, but thistles only. Perhaps best to direct merely public attention to it and Lobelia (native tobacco plant).'
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