16/4/84
An irreparable loss indeed, dear Professor Gray, that of Dr Engelmann!
So the last of the illustrious four is gone, who studied as close friends together
in a German University, — Schimper, Alex. Braun, Agassiz, Engelmann.
We all, not so very long ago, admired his active field-work in the interest of forest-conservancy,
not without some misgivings as to his overstraining his bodily strength at so venerable
an age. I hoped, he would follow Chevreul in longevity!
It is not so very long ago, since I had from him a letter
concerning a very abnormal form of
, which I had sent him. Perhaps you will do me the kindness, when writing to his son,
to express my condolence.
Your elaboration of the vast mass of N. Amer.
must be a grand piece of work, thorough and masterly, like all you do. It is most
kind of you, to invite me to the British Association in Canada,
and your own in Philadelphia;
and one of the greatest joys of such a tour would be to shake hands with
you
! But alas I have now 7 months suffered from deep seated bronchial inflammation, have
become much debilitated and only just now gain a little appetite once more, though
the cough is not subdued. My parents died early of phthisis, and all through life
I have suffered from lung-affections. My work, during this protracted illness got
into some arrear, and if I at all get well again, I must make up for lost time.
I may however some time later slip over for a short itineration in N. America, and
hope then to pay you personally my homage.
Bentham wrote me a touching farewell-letter a few months ago,
stating that he never could hope to resume work. Alas! That he should be such a sufferer
at the late evening of his life, when we hoped that he at all events would in happy
contemplation of his own gigantic achievements watch also calmly and joyfully the
progress of bot discoveries. He must feel very lonely also now towards the end of
his illustrious career, having no one of family ties to cheer him up.
Let me hope, dear Dr Gray, that your health, and also your serenity and vigor of mind
will remain long unimpaired.
Very regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller.
I will send the two missing parts of the Eucalyptography.
Latterly a new arrangement has come here into force, by which Gov. publications are
distributed through the Premier's Office; I find this causes much delay.
