Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 79.10.07a

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

James Bankin to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1879-10-07 [79.10.07a]. 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/1870-9/1879/79-10-07a-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
MS found with a specimen of Poa pratensis (MEL 2139198), collected in 1879.
Bairnsdale
2
Vic.
Octr 7th
Baron von Mueller
Dear Sir
I have intended writing you a report on the grasses you kindly sent me last year.
I planted fifteen varieties eighteen inches apart they mostly came up but the great heat of the summer destroyed a many sorts
The gigantick fodder grass I sowed too early and it was cut of by the frost
I will copy the names as near as I can from your writing the Botanical names I could not make out I wish you would send me the English names
[…]
3
One illegible word.
pua salina
4
Poa salina?
appears an excellent fodder grass I have an enormous crop at the present time I will cut a half of it for experiment I do not think it will perfect seed here
The Cockfoot
5
Cocksfoot?
answers well it is a splendid grass for G L
6
Gipps Land?
Pea elateri

Search for Pea elateri in

7
Poa elatior?
the seeds that came up on this row is a species of couch grass I will enclose a seed stem and root I believe it to be an excellent grass it is the same plant as I asked you the name of that you required the seed stem It is a beautiful grass for lawn & a very sweet grass for cattle
sincerely Yours
James Bankin