Ferdinand von Mueller

1

M presumably forwarded Forrest's letter to August Petermann.

Perth

26th Oct 78

My dear Baron

I leave here in a month for the Grey River.

2

De Grey River, WA.

I am then to explore the whole of the watershed on the North Coast

3

i.e. of WA.

as far as Port Darwin. This will be a very interesting trip & valuable results no doubt will accrue from this Expt

4

Expedition.

I am sorry you have not the means of paying a Botanist.

5

Forrest is evidently responding, here and elsewhere in his letter, to a letter from M that has not been found.

I have sent to Melbourne for a practical miner who knows something of Geology

6

The person appointed was Fenton Hill, see Sydney mail, 25 September 1880.

I shall write to you before I leave giving you more detail of the proposed Expt perhaps you might be able to give me some information of the Northern Territory as you were on Mr Gregory's Expt.

7

North Australian Exploring Expedition, 1855-6.

were the natives at all troublesome & other particulars. I send you a whole lot of plants collected on the Cane & Ashburton Rivers

8

WA.

which no doubt will be interesting to you

About your land I am afraid the Govt. will not approve of your application as they no doubt will lay it out in Suburban lots

9

See M to J. Forrest, 14 February 1878, and the notes thereto.

As soon as I know for certain I will telegraph to you. Mr Whitefield offered me from 6/ to 7/- per acre. I have not much faith in the land about Perth it is so very poor however you may rest assured we will do our best for you My sister in law is writing to you,

10

Margaret Forrest. Letter not found.

she has been several times to Mr Goldsworthy about your lands. You must however either select or sell before the end of the year.

You say that you want land for your widow . So you are going to join the happy state.

11

M never married.

I wish you every happiness. I was sorry to hear that you had been laid up. Saw Mr Brown

12

Maitland Brown.

who has gone on to Champion's Bay.