Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'The botany of Shoalhaven', Telegraph and Shoalhaven advertiser, 9 October 1879, p. 2 (B79.10.03). The article begins 'Through the courtesy of Mr. Lovegrove, to whom as C.P.S. [Clerk of Petty Sessions], the letter was addressed, we print as under a communication from Baron Von Mueller, K.C.M.G., the Government Botanist of Victoria'.

Melbourne, October 1, 1879.

Allow me to ask you, honoured Sir, though I am a stranger to you, whether the species of Acacia, called at Shoalhaven "Black Wattle," yields, there, tan-bark. It is botanically known as

Acacia binervata

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, and is likely common in your district. Perhaps some of the officers of your department might ascertain from local tanners what is the value of any tanner's bark from this tree in comparison to that of the "feather leafed Wattle." I am further anxious to learn whether some resident in your locality could be induced to collect plants there of any kind methodically, as all the country about Shoalhaven is only very imperfectly explored in reference to its vegetation. Perhaps one or more of the schoolmasters might have opportunities to complete the knowledge of the native flora there, for which they would obtain full credit in my works. —