Ferdinand von Mueller

1

M's letter was registered at the Geological Survey Office, Wellington, on 21 June 1880.

1/6/80.

I intended to call on you at Gov House, dear Dr Hector, to enjoy a talk with you after 18 years once more;

2

Hector and M had met in early 1862 when Hector passed through Melbourne on his way to take up his initial appointment in NZ, furnished with letters of introduction to M from Joseph Hooker and J. H. Balfour; see M to J. Haast, 16 March 1862.

but when I went you had just taken your departure for Hobarton.

3

Now Hobart, Tas.

At the evening of her Majesty's Birthday

4

24 May.

I went with the Italian Consul General, who drove me up to Gov. Palace, so that I kept with that nobleman on the table, otherwise I would have endeavoured to get a seat near you.

It devolves yet on me to thank you for having advertised for tenders for Kauri-seeds. Meanwhile a supply reached the Melbourne Market, which I bought, so that I shall not require any more at present.