Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Gladiolis tristis (MEL 2260682). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 26/9/83 F.v.M.'

Parsonage

Circular Head

Tasmania

Sep 15 1883

The Baron Von Müller

My dear Sir

I believe I have had the pleasure of a slight correspondence with you

2

Letters not found.

some time ago but the subject has escaped my recollection — However I feel sure you will not think my writing on the present occasion an intrusion as I am anxious to learn whether a plant I have found be new to Science or not — Enclosed you will find a flower & leaf of the said plant — It is a bulb — I found it on the heathy plains, so common in this part of Tasmania, in one particular spot about 12 miles from here, and all the likely people to know Tasmanian plants assure me it is new — I dug up the first bulb & planted it in my garden & it has flowered regularly for two years in September & has apparently increased rapidly in the number of bulbs — I may mention that after sunset it emits a very strong & pleasant perfume, which is not apparent by day — I do not think from the spot where this specimen was found, there is the smallest chance of its having been introduced artificially — I hope the specimen forwarded will arrive in a condition which will enable you to determine its relations, & to say whether it is known or not — I can forward you a bulb after the flowering season is past, if you would like one —

I may also mention that I discovered a Fern about 12 months back which was new to Tasmania about the same time that another lover of Nature found it near Macquarie Harbour — my find occurred near Mr. S. B. Emmetts farm in the Forest by Circular Head — Someone tells me the Fern is known in New Zealand and goes by the name of

Aspidium hispidum

Search for Aspidium hispidum in

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• Australian Plant Name Index

. I shall be happy to supply you with a dried frond if you care to have one — I must apologise for a long letter my only excuse in writing it all, must be found in my great interest in all matters relating to Natural Science — Though no specialist, in the proper sense of the word, I have dabbled in a good many pursuits of the kind & always keep an eye open in the bush & by the sea shore out of an innate love of observing & collecting objects of Natural History —

The Baron Von Müller