Ferdinand von Mueller

15/8/78.

I write this from my sickbed, dear Professor, and feel that I shall not be able to rise for several days. After the great efforts made for the restoration of my Department,

1

See L. Smith and others to G. Berry, 11 July 1877 (in this edition as M77-07-11).

it seems as yet doubtful, whether I even get the needful buildings, no provision being made on the estimates, but I learn, that if the House expresses itself favorable, Mr Berry will place me with new appliances at Albert Park.

2

M was not provided with facilities at Albert Park.

Compare Sir Joseph Hooker's position with mine! What a contrast now?

The general public and doubtless many of its representatives have been so misled by the malicious and ignorant truthless writings against me in the Argus, that Parliament may not be able to recognize my requirements, and a debate may even imperil my votes, such as they are. That retrenchments are needed, when the expenditure is in excess of the revenue, I can fully understand; but £1800 for buildings my Department is worth; it has shed an additional lustre on the fair fame of Victoria and is of such extensive daily utility to the colonists. I have set all my hopes on Mr Berry ever he was in power, and feel so inexpressively sad now now.

3

Word repeated. Graham Berry led the Government from 7 August to 20 October 1875, 21 May 1877 to 5 March 1880, and 3 August 1880 to 9 July 1881.

Can you never spare an hour to see for yourself how distressed I am?

The £1800 will give me far less building accommodation for my even strictly scientific work, as by my office House, Laboratory &c were withdrawn from me in the bot. Garden.

4

MS envelope front: 'Professor Pearson, M.A. M.L.A. East Melbourne '. Front stamped: 'MELBOURNE AUG 1 7 78'.