Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Proceedings, Wednesday 6 August 1879' Journal and proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales, vol. 13, p. 131 (1879) (B80.13.08). The letter is introduced by 'The following letter from Baron von Mueller, K.C.M.G, was read: Baron von Mueller to Professor Liversidge'.

Melbourne, 20 July, 1879.

It is my pleasing duty, honored sir, to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 4th of this month (just arrived),

2

Letter not found.

in which the Royal Society of New South Wales deemed me worthy of its kind felicitation, at the conclusion of the "Flora Australiensis,"

3

Bentham (1863-78). At the meeting of 2 July 1879

On behalf and in the name of the Council, Mr. C. Moore proposed Mr. George Bentham, F.R.S., C.M.G., as an honorary member of the Society; also that letters of congratulation be sent by the Society to Mr. Bentham and Baron von Mueller, F.R.S., K.C.M.G., congratulating them on the completion of their great work "Flora Australiensis."

The resolutions were carried ('Proceedings, Wednesday 2 July 1879', p. 128).

a work which engaged the almost unparalleled zeal and genius of the venerable George Bentham for sixteen years, and in which work I had the honor to be his main collaborator.

Among all the rewards which have been so generously bestowed on the researches in which I have been engaged during nearly a third of a century in Australia, I regard the appreciation expressed by the Royal Society of New South Wales as one of the highest. I am all the more touched with this unexpected mark of consideration, evinced by the gentlemen of learning united in your Society, as in reality I have individually so little claim on their kindliness; but rejoicing at such a friendly encouragement becomes intermingled with some sadness when I reflect how infinitely more I could have served all the Australian dominions, had the substantial support afforded to my researches been commensurate with all the intended plans formed originally for my work.

May Providence grant me health and strength to satisfy the great expectations raised, in regard to the continuation of my literary efforts, and the original observations upon which they must be based.

If, in the autumn of my life, I can shed also light on the still unexplored portions of the fifth continent, in reference to the vegetable beings with which it has been endowed by an Almighty will and power, then one of the main objects of my life will have been realized.

With my expressions of reverence to the Royal Society of New South Wales, I remain also your regardfully attached,—