Document information
Physical location:
RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 81.08.03Preferred Citation:
Forster Johnston to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1881-08-03. 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/1880-9/1881/81-08-03-final.odt>, accessed May 15, 2026
1
MS found with a specimen of Asplenium furcatum (MEL 114819). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 29/8/81'. Letter not found.
2
WA.
Aug 3rd 1881
Baron F. von Mueller.
Adelaide
3
sic. The letter evidently reached M, notwithstanding its being mis-addressed.
Dear Sir.
Lately while visiting my cattle run
I went to a most extraordinary formation of granite boulder rocks to the extent of
2 or 3 acres & growing on these rocks, I gathered some very beautiful Ferns which
were quite new to me, & Mr Clifton
has begged me to send them to you as he thinks they would interest you, so that I
am forwarding them by the mail, but I gathered one or two other kinds more beautiful
than the enclosed, but they were so delicate that they were too much dried up before
I could press them so that they were spoilt, but I shall be going out there before
long again & shall make a point of going to the same spot again when I shall get a
large quantity & if there is anything new & you would like to have any more I shall
be very happy to forward them to you
4
On the Preston River, east of Bunbury, WA (South western times (Bunbury), 22 May 1835, p. 3).
5
In 1874 Forster Johnston had married a daughter of Robert Williams Clifton, and before
his marriage had managed the Leschenault property of her uncle, W. Pearce Clifton
(South western times (Bunbury), 22 May 1835, p. 3). Many Clifton relatives resided in the area of Australind
and Leschenault, and it is not possible to positively identify the Clifton who urged
that M receive the specimen.
I remain
Yours Truly
J. Forster Johnston