Document information
Physical location:
ML MSS.562, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. 74.09.12aPreferred Citation:
Ferdinand von Mueller to Edward Ramsay, 1874-09-12 [74.09.12a]. 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/1870-9/1874/74-09-12a-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
Melbourne 12/9/74.
I am gratified with your letter, dear Mr Ramsay, and with the deep interest you take
in the exploration of N Guinea, which to you must have the additional interest of
its zoology.
I am so charmed with the idea of going there (with you) myself, that I cannot disburden
it from my mind.
As Mr Francis
is no longer my ministerial Chief I could trust myself away for a few months, and
my health needs the change sadly. The main charm of N. Guinea concentrates itself
in this;
who will be the first to mount the alps
and render known its living creation.
1
James Francis.
Commodore Goodenough has a rare (and not reoccurring) chance to distinguish himself
in the field of geography and biology. May the excellent Officer embrace it.
Regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller.
The horsehair-plant is most interesting I suppose one day we shall have fruit of it.
2
See M to E. Ramsay, 9 September 1874.