Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Poisoned camels', Garden and field; a monthly journal of agronomy (Adelaide) (B85.07.02). Date inferred by the letter's appearing in the July issue of a journal published monthly. The text is introduced as follows: 'Baron F. von Mueller has kindly furnished us with the following note respecting the poisonous character of the

Euphorbia Drummondi

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, which is a very small plant growing mostly upon sandy soils, flat upon the soil, very small roundish leaves, rather bright green, and which exudes the milky juice characteristic of all the Euphorbiaceae'.

It may interest the readers of your valuable journal, dear Mr Molineux, to learn that the

Euphorbia Drummondi

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has recently proved fatal to Dromedariae north-west of the Gawler Ranges.

2

SA.

So I just learn from Mr. Fr. Cr. Magee, of Kokatha, four camels having died from the effect of this herb in the north-west part of South Australia. As this Euphorbia is one of very wide distribution through the interior of Australia, occurring in the territory of all our colonies, and as in many places and at various times sheep particularly have died from feeding upon this little herb, it would be of importance to draw public attention to this plant. Where it occurs gregariously (in great numbers) the ground should roughly be broken up, and sown in the cool season with drought resisting perennial pasture herbs and grasses, for which purpose the seeds of superior kinds could locally be collected, as best fitted to the region. A very limited occurrence of the Euphorbia would not hurt flocks or herds, but when in times of protracted rainlessness all sorts of grasses and herbs are withered, the Euphorbia holds its ground, and is then largely devoured by stock, with lethal consequences.