Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a collection of Vitex lignum-vitae. MS annotation by M: 'Rec & answ 9/10/83. F.v.M.' Letter not found.

Long Nose Point

Balmain, Sydney

Oct 8th 1883

My dear Baron

I have just returned from the North and brought with me from the Clarence River some specimens of woods amongst them a dense, beautifully soft, close grained timber, of a remarkably agreeable nut-brown colour, suitable for high class furniture. I am enclosing with this the leaf and seed of the tree — which is not generally known — and shall be glad if you will tell what it is. The tree attains to a diameter of about two feet, and is of proportionate hight: it has light grey bark, rather smooth; the leaf is of a bright green and the fruit, in appearance, very much like an English Cherry, but not more than half the size; it has, like the cherry, a long stalk, but, unlike this fruit, grows singly, never in bunches. The tree is found growing in mountain brushes, and I believe the timber to be of considerable value —

I believe we have some fine timbers, if they were only known, but our Govt takes but little interest in these matters. I have several kinds now in the engravers hands, of which I hope to hear something in a few days —

Hoping these few lines may find you quite well

N.B. An early answer will much oblige