Ferdinand von Mueller

25/7/85.

It is with the most grateful recognition, honorable and dear Sir, that I acknowledge your generous consideration in sending me your important volume on irrigation in Western America,

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In the library at MEL there is a copy of Deakin's report on irrigation in western America (Deakin (1885)) inscribed: 'Sir Ferdinand Von Mueller F.R.S. F.L.S. etc. etc. with compts [compliments] & regards AD 24.7.85'.

a work so clear, terse, full and comprehensive as it is eminently practical and utilitarian. You have delt with a question, affecting the vital interests of rural economy of our adopted country, in a masterly manner; and allow me to say, honored Sir, that it reflects infinite permanent credit on you, that you brought your elated

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elevated?

ministerial position to bear on the development of the main-branch of the industrial resources of our colonial territory even by extensive foreign travels.

But, my dear Mr Deakin, how shall I thank you for the generous sentiments expressed in your letter,

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Letter not found.

accompanying your splendid treatise! The tone of your letter is most encouraging and elevating to me, a poor and unostentatious toiler in the field of applied science; and for those expressions of yours I shall treasure the gift of your work all the more highly. As you have traversed North America so widely for rural purposes, perhaps you will kindly accept the byefollowing work from the other side of the pacific ocean

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Work not identified.

as a mark of homage and gratitude also.