Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M73, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 84.02.26a

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Robert Thom to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1884-02-26 [84.02.26a]. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1880-9/1884/84-02-26a-final.odt>, accessed June 5, 2026

St. Andrew's College, Sandhurst
1
Now Bendigo, Vic.
26/2/84
Dear Sir
I have this morning received yours about .
2
Letter not found, but the specimen being discussed is undoubtedly venosa (MEL 1550454) collected by Thom in December 1883 from 'Blue Mountains'; the AVH specimen record notes under 'Habitat': 'With Epacris crassif[olia] and Drosera linata. From an overhanging rock'.
I found it under (on the face of) an overhanging sandstone cliff 200 yds from Mt Victoria Stn
3
Station.
on the Blue Mts.
4
NSW.
— said cliff being on the left hand side of the line as we proceed from Sydney. It was the only specimen I could find. I tried other similar spots round there but was unsuccessful. It was a single flower upon a single stem .
I regret that I cannot speak positively about the leaf. If there had one or if it had been at all peculiar I think I should have taken it — but in travelling it might have got lost before I was able to arrange them. Perhaps another specimen may be got at same place same date next year.
Yesterday I posted for you some flowers from the Darling
5
Darling River, NSW. Although the dates do not match precisely, see R. Thom to M, 23 February 1884, mentioning sending plants from the Darling. It is probable that the package of plants was sent separately from the letter.
— to your town address — I shall post this to the same lest the word Drouin might not be enough. I think I have travelled round through the glen where you are staying
6
M had gone to Drouin, in Gippsland, Vic, in the hope of shaking off the persistent bronchitis from which he was suffering.
— magnificent forest scenery & some fine water courses. The mention of the chapel & afternoon Service leads me to think it Northward of Drouin some 5 miles. I regret exceedingly that the cough is still troublesome, but I trust your general health & strength are improving & that you will find the cough pass away with returning strength.
With kindest regards
I am
yours sincerely
R Thom