Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Eucalyptus howittiana (MEL 1610553), collected by Stafford at Rockingham Bay, Qld, 1883.

H. M.

2

Her Majesty's.

Police Barracks

Glendhu

3

Qld.

21st April 1883

Dear Baron von Mueller

As my last specimens of flowers &c of the Eucalyptus you asked me to collect for you were carried a long distance and somewhat old,

4

See B. Stafford to M, 10 April 1883.

I take the opportunity, having found a tree in flower near at hand, of sending you some that are fresher and better pressed.

I have not yet succeeded in securing any flowers or seed pods of the E. Torelliana

5

See B. Stafford to M, 26 February 1883 (in this edition as 83-02-26b).

but will not fail to send some on to you should I be fortunate enough to find any

I trust the specimens of the sea grass from Cardwell

6

Qld. See B. Stafford to M, 10 April 1883.

have reached you ere this and with much regard, Believe me

The E. Cooperiana

7

See B. Stafford to M, 26 February 1883 (in this edition as 83-02-26b).

differs very slightly from the ordinary box tree in appearance. In favorable localities it attains a height of about 100 feet with a girth of about 12 feet at the butt. Bark less fissured than the common box and more resembling that of the messmate. Leaves very glossy and dark green — very abundant and throwing a good shade. Wood resembling that of the common box but not quite so inlocked and easier to split. Apparently very useful for posts &c. I have now noticed specimens of it from Lucy creek to the falls of the Herbert near Cashmere, but in no locality did I see any great number together.

Will notify any other particulars that I may notice