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RBG Kew,Kew Correspondence, Australia, Mueller, 1871-81,f. 203. 77.10.10

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Ferdinand von Mueller to George Bentham, 1877-10-10. 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/1870-9/1877/77-10-10-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

10/10/77
On board of the "Siam"
I write a few lines on the mail steamer, dear Mr Bentham, now near King George's Sound,
1
WA.
where we will land to morrow. I suddenly resolved to embark, as my health had given way and as I was mentally so oppressed, altho my worldly affairs do not admit of much itineration.
2
See M to G. Berry, 26 September 1877. M left Melbourne on 4 October 1877 (Argus, 5 October 1877, p. 4).
It is my intention to get within the few weeks —allotted to my absense — so far as Shark Bay, to see how far there the southern & the tropical forms of plants are meeting. Novelty can hardly be expected there. I shall just be in time for the late spring-vegetation & the early summer-flowers.
The mail steamer with the European post has met us yesterday; so I shall not likely get any letters or prints from you, until December, when I hope to be again at Albany.
3
WA.
I shall be much interested in your and General Munro's views about our Australian grasses.
4
William Munro.
It is wonderful, that your eyesight, after half a century's work, remains so faithful to you, for appreciating even the minute analytic details of grasses.
I envey Sir J. Hooker for his splendid journey with Asa Gray to Arizona, Utah & New Mexico.
5
For descriptions of Joseph Hooker's journey see Allan (1967), pp. 231-2, and Desmond (1999), pp. 248–50.
Let me hope, that your health remains firm.
Regardful yours
Ferd. von Mueller.