Ferdinand von Mueller

6/12/82

I have to thank you, dear Dr Hector, for sending me such an interesting set of N.Z. plants.

1

Not identified.

Some of them are of particular value in relation to species occurring in the Australian Alps.

After the heavy extra-work for the Exhibition

2

International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1880-1.

I get gradually the departmental arrear-work done, & as my species-Census of Austral. plants will be finished this month, I hope to be able to make up some collections in 1883, when your institution shall not be overlooked.

Prof. Tate is very eager to become a FRS., and has sent the enclosed paper of Candidature to me. I pointed out to him, that the Rev. Jul. Ten. Woods was in the field before,

3

See M to J. Hector, 24 May 1882.

and that probably only one Australian would be elected in one particular year; yet he does not like to wait;

4

See M to R. Tate, 7 October 1882, and M to R. Tate, 16 December 1882.

and as he is such a zealous and striving investigator of nature in S.A., I do not wish to defer my support. I now send his Candidature-application also to you, and if you think well of it, please attach your signature and kindly forward it then on to Dr Haast for his signature also. Perhaps the Council may be induced to nominate 2 Australians in one year; otherwise one of them must come up for election a year later.

May be the new year one of happiness to you and your family, that is the wish of