The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: Casterton ¶ Novr13th 1878 ¶ Dear Sir ¶ ¶ Herewith I have the pleasure to forward stems & leaves of the dwarf & large grass tree. In accordance with your wish I have carefully noted whether the dwarf ...

Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 78.11.13

Preferred Citation:

Clements Macan to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1878-11-13. 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/1870-9/1878/78-11-13-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

MS found with a specimen of Xanthorrhoea caespitosa (MEL 2216020). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 18/11/78'; letter not found.

Casterton

Vic.

Novr13th 1878

Dear Sir

Herewith I have the pleasure to forward stems & leaves of the dwarf & large grass tree. In accordance with your wish I have carefully noted whether the dwarf gradually passed into the long spike, at first I thought so, attributing the stuntedness to adverse circumstances, such as cattle browsing, bush fires &c. however within the last week I have been over a large tract of country & observed the two kinds growing side by side with exactly the same disadvantages, I am strongly inclined to think the two varieties are distinct. The enclosed stems were all within a few feet of each other in the bunch from which I took the large one there was a stem not in bloom more than 2 ft long, hoping you have quite recovered

I remain

yours very truly

C. A. Macan.

Baron Ferd von Mueller

Governm Botanist

Melbourne