Ferdinand von Mueller

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MS is a draft in M's hand with numerous deletions and insertions, accompanied by a draft of a French translation in a different hand that had probably been commissioned by M.

Melbourne

20/1/75

Don Mariano Bárcena,

Secretair premier de la Société d'histoire naturelle à Mexico. &c &c

Senor

I was most pleasingly surprised, when I received this day from the Consulate General of Italy your letter of the 12 Dec. 1873, by which I am apprized of the unexpected honor, conferred on me by your excellent association in electing me a corresponding member, in virtue of which election your distinguished President, Vice president & assistant Secretary & yourself have issued the Diploma of my election, simultaneously transmitted.

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Sociedad Mexicana de Historia Natural to M, 20 November 1873.

If at all times the recognition of my humble labours by associated men of science is to me a source of pride and encouragement, it must be the more so when such a high mark of distinction comes from a distant empire, separated by wide oceanic space, when it comes from a great land, the interests of which — in regard to the elucidation of its magnificent natural productions — I was myself unable in any way to promote. I must therefore with all the more gratitude appreciate the generosity of your Society, as I had no claims on it.

It has also been most gratifying to me, to observe, that your young Society has already issued such extensive publications of important contributions to science, as manifested by the splendid fascicles of "La Naturaleza", so obligingly transmitted.

I feel highly honored thus now to enjoy the privilege of communicating with you and your colleagues and the other members of the Society, and beg now to offer a few volumes of mine,

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Volumes not identified.

in reciprocity for the valuable publication of your Society, and beg finally to invite you, to command at any time my services, when I can be useful to your union or promote the interest of your grand country, and I look forward with pleasure to a frequent communication with the men of science of Mexico through your association.