Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS annotation by M: 'Erhalten und beantw. 10/6/84' [Received and answered 10/6/84]. Letter not found. M forwarded Wilson's letter to J. Agardh with his own letter of 10 June 1884.

9. 6. 84

Sir F. von Mueller K.C.B.

2

sic.

&c &c.

My dear Sir

I send you a parcel of specimens of the Marine Algae. The result of the last summer's dredging. There are 100, numbered to correspond with specimens retained by me, upon which I shall be grateful for Prof. Agardh's opinion. Some are not uncommon probably, but I have not yet had them authoritatively named. A few may prove interesting.

3

Agardh received the parcel in August 1884. It contained new species and possibly two new genera. For Agardh's list of identifications, see J. Agardh to M, 14 September 1884.

The specimens which are not numbered are sent in response to Prof. Agardh's expressed desire, and I greatly regret my inability to send a better suite of specimens; but I hope you will tell Prof. Agardh the reason, viz. That last season was the worst season for dredging I ever experienced. The weather was very unpropitious; both during my long midsummer vacation, and at Easter. It was constantly, either blowing so hard that it was hard to keep a dredge down, or else a dead calm. I can assure you that no chance was lost; but a number of Prof. Agardh's requests must remain unfulfilled until another season — if I am spared till then.

My work among the Polyzoa was equally hindered. I managed to obtain, and preserve in a proper state for examination, a large number of Marine Spongida, which I have sent to England.

I hope you will send all the specimens on this occasion just as they are — and I purpose, if the opportunity is granted me, to make two collections of our Algae; as complete as possible; one for you, and one for the Kew Collection — under Dr. Hooker — whose wifes father Prof. Henslow, is very dear to me in memory.

I should be glad of your permission to inspect your present collection of Algae, and take notes therefrom. By that means I shall be the better able to judge what to procure and also learn something to guide me in the arrangement of my own plants.

I very much hope that your health is improved and that you are not a sufferer from the vicissitudes of the winter season.