Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Acacia storyi (MEL 15513).

Comet Q. N. R

2

i.e. Queensland Northern Region.

July 31 1878

Dear Baron Mueller

In my last note to you

3

Letter not found.

I mentioned to you about a new species of Acacia which had been brought into use for tanning at Rockhampton and I now have much pleasure in forwarding you a fragment thereof. It is quite a new sp. to me, and it does not appear to be among those described in the 2nd Vol. of the Flora Austral.

4

Bentham (1863-78), vol. 2.

I have only got a branch from the person that collects the bark and have not seen the tree myself. The bark on the older branches is quite green and smoothe, but the old bark is dark.

I had no communication from you for a length of time, and I trust that nothing is the matter with you. I presume the 7th Vol of the Flora

5

Bentham (1863-78), vol. 7.

has already reached the Colony? I also promised you to draw up a list of the plants of my district not already described in the Flora and trust in a few days time to be able to do so as I intend going down to Rockhampton where most of my books of reference are still. I have nothing new to note excepting that the wood of your Acacia basaltica is very much prized for making stock whip handles &c it being of a beautiful rich red color with a fine velvety grain; the wood is known here as "The dead finish" Trusting to hear of your good health and spirits soon I am Dear Baron

P.S. You will notice the solitary pinna at the base of the rachis which appears to be constant