Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS annotation: 'R. 28 mars'. Since the letter would almost certainly have been delivered on 26 or at the latest 27 March, this probably means 'Replied 28 March'. MS is accompanied by an envelope addressed: 'Monsieur Eugène Ortolan | Consul de France | Menzies Hotel | Melbourne' with a note in M's hand: 'Mr de Castella'.

Easterday,

1883.

2

MS annotation: '25 mars'; Easter fell on 25 March in 1883.

It is with sorrow, dear Chevalier Ortolan, that I hear of your leaving us, but I hope that we will have in Victoria the benefit again of your eminent services after some furlong

3

furlough?

of yours at home.

With gladness shall I avail myself of your kind offer, to take to France somethings for me. I should like to send some books to Professor van Tieghem, Dr Cosson and Dr Bernier,

4

Bernier not further identified.

also some dried plants. The seeds, desired by you, I will be happy to supply, so far as I can; - if I forward to you some small quantity of the seeds of our best trees for experiments in culture, we could send from here larger quantities afterwards. The sending of small quantities would involve no expenditure. As regards the seeds of the Norfolk-Island Pine, they loose quickly their vitality;- the seeds will therefore have to be procured fresh in Norfolk-Island or from cultivated trees in New South Wales, and must be packed in dry earth, to arrive in a fit state for germination in Europe. - Perhaps you will find, that trees on the estates of friends of yours are seed-bearing in the south of France, where - as well as in Algeria - the

Araucaria excelsa

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• Australian Plant Name Index

and also

Araucaria Cunninghami

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• Australian Plant Name Index

have produced fruits already for years.

In your absence I will always gladly communicate with the excellent Vice Consul, in any affairs of cultural interest or sendings concerning the rural advancement of your great country.