Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Dampiera stricta (MEL 75392). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 18/8/81'. Letter not found.

Ferndale

nr Double Bay

2

Sydney.

15th Augst /81

My dear Baron von Mueller

As I am writing to thank you for the honour you have done me in naming such a pretty plant after me,

3

M named Dampiera scottiana in B81.08.03, p. 120.

I have inclosed two pieces of a Dampiera got yesterday, but I do not think it is the one you want. I fear it is the D. stricta but I cannot say as the flowers were all closed up when I got it. I will make it a point to go out on a hunting expedition this week to get D. Scottiana for you & if I succeed the flowers &c, shall be sent you in spirits — you are right in thinking D. Scottiana is rare, for altho' I have been gathering native flowers for years & got quantities of D. stricta I only now and then came across D. Scottiana , but until lately I never thought it could be new , because I always have, and still do, think you know everything about plants & concluded it must be very well known to you.

The specimens I sent you through Dr Woolls were all got about the neighbourhood here (Double Bay, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay, to the Heads) This I now send was got at Watsons Bay (near to the South Head). It is astonishing what a difference situation makes in the look of a plant; for grow them in pure sand at the tops of the hills and they look dry & hard, but let them come near the sea-breeze along the banks of the harbour & they become quite fleshy & unlike our native plants altogether.

Altho' I feel much gratified at the honour you have done me, yet I should have been better pleased if the name had been Müelleri or Woollsi, for I do not deserve the notoriety & you do.

Will you please remember my name is Harriet Scott not Helena as you address me — my sister is Helena Forde but I am, and always shall be I dare say