Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Alstonia constricta MEL 222654. MS annotation by M: 'Answ 12/5/82 F.v.M.' Letter not found.

Gulgong

2

NSW.

8 May 1882

Dear Baron von Mueller

I am herewith sending you for identification some leaves of a tree, and a portion of its bark, which were brought me yesterday from the banks of the river Darling, two or three hundred miles from here — The person who gave them to me wished to know if the bark, from its pleasant bitterness, had any medicinal value. I am now engaged in testing it for any alkaloids and shall also make a tincture of it for trial. But I should be glad if you would kindly send me information concerning its Botanical name & position & its range of habitat &c as well as its known properties.

I have not been able to botanise much myself lately and in fact the weather in this district has been so exceptionally dry, that scarcely even a blade of grass can be seen at present in the bush — to say nothing of rare flowers.

The introduction of some grass or fodder plant that would stand hot dry weather & soil & at the same time keep on growing, would be a boon to pastoralists here. Ever since I have been in this district the summers have been dry, & the grass has completely failed at the time when most wanted — namely in the following winters. The autumn rains generally come too late to give it sufficient head to withstand the severe frequent frosts of our winter. I should be glad to know if you could recommend any grass that would suit this condition of affairs

Baron F. von Mueller KCMG &c