Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M49, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 81.10.11

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

John McKibbin to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1881-10-11. 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/1880-9/1881/81-10-11-final.odt>, accessed June 4, 2026

1
MS annotation by M: 'Answ 12/10/81'. Letter not found. Ms found with a specimen of Thelymitra macmillani (MEL 114461). The specimen is accompanied by a draft description headed ' Thelymitra macmillani interstans var.', with 'interstans var.' then crossed out by M. As well as the diagnosis, there is a paragraph discussing the possibility that the specimen represents a hybrid between T. antennifera and T. Mackibbinii. No published version of the draft has been found.
Victoria Parade
Maryboro'
2
Maryborough, Vic.
11/10/81
Dear Sir
Yours just to hand
3
Letter not found.
I think I have got a T. Carnea
4
Carnea crossed out by M and replaced with Macmillani.
as I was out in search for some T. Antennifera to send you — I found them (3 specimens one I send in bloom & 2 bloom off) amongst the T. Antfra
5
i.e. Antennifera.
— which is rather scarce — Of the species you do me the honor to name after me
6
Thelymitra mackibbini; see B81.10.01. See also J. McKibbin to M, September 1881 (in this edition as 81-09-00).
I have found them in 2 places some miles distant, but they are scarce, it is out of bloom but I have about a dozen tubers in my garden as a reserve — I send 2 or 3 I had pressed of it — I also send T. Antennifera and of T. Carnea
7
Carnea crossed out by M and replaced with M'Millani, this then also crossed out and replaced with alata.
I send some of [the]
8
illegible — MS torn.
larger kind but the smaller kind is out of bloom some time in this district
The light purplish one I I
9
I repeated in going from one line to the next.
send. I do not know whether I sent before or not — but it seems to be nearly allied to T. longifolia as it [is]
10
editorial addition.
generally found near them & pretty plentiful — Of the A5 & A4 I sent you some time ago I never got any more of them as they were in bloom early and indeed all the Orchids are out of bloom here except these I send and T. longifolia
I enclose a few branchlets of shrubs & plants, which you will oblige by giving their names, as I have been asked to name them & although I know most of them, I wish to have you as an Authority before giving the names —
With thanks for your past kindness I have the honor to be, Dear Sir,
Yours obediently
J N McKibbin
Baron Von Mueller K.C.M.G., MD &c &c &c.