Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 80.03.11a

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

John Cole to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1880-03-11 [80.03.11a]. 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/1880-9/1880/80-03-11a-final.odt>, accessed June 4, 2026

1
MS found with a specimen of Cyathea cunninghamii (MEL 224428) collected in the Dandenong Ranges, Vic, in 1880 by John C. Cole. MS annotation by M: 'Ans 14/3/80'. Letter not found.
Richmond Nursery
March 11. 1880
Dr Mueller
Dear Sir
I have fruiting fronds of
Alsophila
Excelsa
"
Cooperi
Hemitelia
Smithii
Dicksonia
Squarrosa
"
Youngiana
2
D. youngiae ?
Alsophila
Capensis
Marrattia
3
Marattia ?
Salicina
Cyathea
Dealbata
"
Medullaris &c &c
I find that what I had from New Zealand as Cyathea Smithii appears almost identical with "Boyles Fern" I have large plants of both but neither are fruiting
I should be glad if you could pay me a visit sometime before Easter
I know I could give you fine Specimen[s] of several tree ferns for your purpose I have fronds of Excelsa over 5 feet across
I am
Yours very faithfully
John C. Cole
It would be very interesting for you to observe the comparative growth of the Tree Ferns you could make a comparison here that could not be made anywhere else except where a number are growing together & planted about same time and under same conditions some have grown 2½ feet while others not more than 3 or 4 inches
J.C.C.